Cecal Volatile Fatty Acids Research Articles

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Different Proportions of Amaranthus hypochondriacus Stem and Leaf Powder on Intestinal Digestive Enzyme Activities, Volatile Fatty Acids and Microbiota of Broiler Chickens

Amaranthus hypochondriacus is rich in nutrients and represents a feed resource with significant potential. This experiment aimed to study the effects of different proportions of Amaranthus hypochondriacus stem and leaf powder (AHSL) on intestinal digestive enzyme activities, cecal volatile fatty acids, and the microbiota of broilers. A total of 288 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to the control diet group and the 3%, 6%, and 9% AHSL diet group for days 0–21. Subsequently, the 3%, 6%, and 9% AHSL diets were switched to 5%, 10%, and 15% AHSL diets for days 22–42. The results demonstrated that the dietary inclusion of AHSL significantly affected sucrase activity in the jejunal mucosa (p < 0.05). The 5% AHSL group exhibited the highest sucrase activity, followed by the control group, both of which showed significantly higher activity compared to the 10% and 15% AHSL groups (p < 0.05). The cecal pH in the 5%, 10%, and 15% AHSL groups was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The contents of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and valerate in the cecum of the 10% and 15% AHSL groups were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The addition of AHSL had no significant effect on the alpha diversity of cecum microorganisms. The relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG_005 and Lactonifactor was significantly higher in the 10% AHSL group compared to the control group, whereas the 15% AHSL group had a significantly higher relative abundance of Clostridium_sensus_tricto12, Peptoclostridium, Anaerofilum, and Peptococcaceae. In summary, the inclusion of 5% AHSL in the diet enhances sucrase activity in the jejunum of broilers, while 10% or 15% AHSL increases the volatile fatty acid content and reduces the pH value in the cecum, without adverse effects on the cecal microbiota.

Suitability of raw and heat-treated Amaranthus spinosus in broiler diets: Effects on growth performance, meat antioxidant capacity, haemato-biochemical parameters, intestinal histomorphometry, and cecal volatile fatty acid profile

This study aimed to examine the effects of incorporating amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus, either raw or heat-treated) into broiler diets on growth performance, meat antioxidant capacity, haemato-biochemical parameters, intestinal histomorphometry, and cecal volatile fatty acid profile. A total of 210 male Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design, with each treatment comprising six replicates of seven birds each. The control group received a diet based on maize and soybean meal, while the remaining dietary groups were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric to the control, with exact levels of 10% and 20% raw or heat-treated amaranth in the diet. Body weight and feed intake were monitored on days 0, 10, 24, and 39 of the study. On day 39, two birds per replicate were randomly selected for blood sampling, followed by slaughtering for further parameter examination. Incorporating A. spinosus up to 20% in broiler diets had no adverse effect on body weight gain compared to the control. However, higher levels of amaranth led to a negative impact on the feed conversion ratio, attributed to increased feed intake. Furthermore, amaranth supplementation did not negatively influence carcass yield or various organ weights, except for the gizzard, which was heavier in the amaranth-fed groups. Notably, amaranth supplementation reduced abdominal fat, enhanced meat antioxidant status, and had no detrimental effects on blood biochemical or hematological indices. Additionally, amaranth feeding resulted in decreased blood triglyceride levels but had no effect on cholesterol levels. While heat treatment of amaranth did not significantly alter the performance of broiler chickens, it enhanced the beneficial effects of amaranth feeding on the histomorphological features of the duodenum and ileum, and increased blood IgG levels. The cecal volatile fatty acid profile remained largely unaffected by amaranth inclusion, although heat-treated amaranth led to increased levels of branched-chain fatty acids and valerate. Overall, the findings suggest A. spinosus as a promising alternative feed ingredient for broilers when included at 10% of the diet. However, further research is needed to investigate the effect of various amaranth species, processing methods and enzyme supplementation on poultry nutrition to expand its inclusion rate.

Assessing the impact of hatching system and body weight on the growth performance, caecal short-chain fatty acids, and microbiota composition and functionality in broilers

BackgroundVariations in body weight (BW) remain a significant challenge within broiler flocks, despite uniform management practices. Chicken growth traits are influenced by gut microbiota, which are in turn shaped by early-life events like different hatching environments and timing of first feeding. Chicks hatched in hatcheries (HH) experience prolonged feed deprivation, which could adversely impact early microbiota colonization. Conversely, hatching on-farm (HOF) allows early feeding, potentially fostering a more favorable gut environment for beneficial microbial establishment. This study investigates whether BW differences among broilers are linked to the disparities in gut microbiota characteristics and whether hatching systems (HS) impact the initial microbial colonization of broilers differing in BW, which in turn affects their growth patterns. Male Ross-308 chicks, either hatched in a hatchery or on-farm, were categorized into low (LBW) and high (HBW) BW groups on day 7, making a two-factorial design (HS × BW). Production parameters were recorded periodically. On days 7, 14, and 38, cecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) and microbiota composition and function (using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and PICRUSt2) were examined.ResultsHOF chicks had higher day 1 BW, but HH chicks caught up within first week, with no further HS-related performance differences. The HBW chicks remained heavier attributed to higher feed intake rather than improved feed efficiency. HBW group had higher acetate concentration on day 14, while LBW group exhibited higher isocaproate on day 7 and isobutyrate on days 14 and 38. Microbiota analyses revealed diversity and composition were primarily influenced by BW than by HS, with HS having minimal impact on BW-related microbiota. The HBW group on various growth stages was enriched in VFA-producing bacteria like unclassified Lachnospiraceae, Alistipes and Faecalibacterium, while the LBW group had higher abundances of Lactobacillus, Akkermansia and Escherichia-Shigella. HBW microbiota presented higher predicted functional potential compared to the LBW group, with early colonizers exhibiting greater metabolic activity than late colonizers.ConclusionsDespite differences in hatching conditions, the effects of HS on broiler performance were transient, and barely impacting BW-related microbiota. BW variations among broilers are likely linked to differences in feed intake, VFA profiles, and distinct microbiota compositions and functions.

Pre-hatch thermal manipulation of embryos and post-hatch baicalein supplementation mitigated heat stress in broiler chickens

BackgroundHigh environmental temperatures induce heat stress in broiler chickens, affecting their health and production performance. Several dietary, managerial, and genetics strategies have been tested with some success in mitigating heat stress (HS) in broilers. Developing novel HS mitigation strategies for sustaining broiler production is critically needed. This study investigated the effects of pre-hatch thermal manipulation (TM) and post-hatch baicalein supplementation on growth performance and health parameters in heat-stressed broilers.ResultsSix hundred fertile Cobb 500 eggs were incubated for 21 d. After candling on embryonic day (ED) 10, 238 eggs were thermally manipulated at 38.5 °C with 55% relative humidity (RH) from ED 12 to 18, then transferred to the hatcher (ED 19 to 21, standard temperature) and 236 eggs were incubated at a controlled temperature (37.5 °C) till hatch. After hatch, 180-day-old chicks from both groups were raised in 36 pens (n = 10 birds/pen, 6 replicates per treatment). The treatments were: 1) Control, 2) TM, 3) control heat stress (CHS), 4) thermal manipulation heat stress (TMHS), 5) control heat stress supplement (CHSS), and 6) thermal manipulation heat stress supplement (TMHSS). All birds were raised under the standard environment for 21 d, followed by chronic heat stress from d 22 to 35 (32–33 °C for 8 h) in the CHS, TMHS, CHSS, and TMHSS groups. A thermoneutral (22–24 °C) environment was maintained in the Control and TM groups. RH was constant (50% ± 5%) throughout the trial. All the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in R and GraphPad software at P < 0.05 and are presented as mean ± SEM. Heat stress significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the final body weight and ADG in CHS and TMHS groups compared to the other groups. Embryonic TM significantly increased (P < 0.05) the expression of heat shock protein-related genes (HSP70, HSP90, and HSPH1) and antioxidant-related genes (GPX1 and TXN). TMHS birds showed a significant increment (P < 0.05) in total cecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration compared to the CHS birds. The cecal microbial analysis showed significant enrichment (P < 0.05) in alpha and beta diversity and Coprococcus in the TMHSS group.ConclusionsPre-hatch TM and post-hatch baicalein supplementation in heat-stressed birds mitigate the detrimental effects of heat stress on chickens' growth performance, upregulate favorable gene expression, increase VFA production, and promote gut health by increasing beneficial microbial communities.

Comparison of the effects of probiotic-based formulations on growth, feed utilization, blood constituents, cecal fermentation, and duodenal morphology of rabbits reared under hot environmental conditions

Abstract The present study aimed to assess the effects of three probiotic-supplemented diets on growth, cecal fermentation, blood biochemical, and intestinal morphological features in growing rabbits reared under summer conditions. Rabbits were allotted into four groups: G1 rabbits were fed the basal diet (control), G2 rabbits received Enterococcus faecium (EF) and Clostridium butyricum (CB) complexes (1 × 108 and 2.5 × 106 cfu/kg diet, respectively), G3 rabbits were given CB (2.5 × 106 cfu/kg diet) and yeast complexes (1 g/kg diet), and G4 rabbits received EF (2 × 108 cfu/kg diet) and yeast (1 g/kg diet). G2 rabbits exhibited the highest performances in terms of enhanced body weight and weight gain, protein efficiency ratio and feed conversion ratio (P&lt;0.05). Serum total protein, globulin, immunoglobulin M, and highdensity lipoprotein concentrations were higher in probiotic-fed rabbits than those in controls. Additionally, lipid profile parameters were significantly reduced in the probiotic-fed rabbits, with the lowest concentrations measured in G4 rabbits (P&lt;0.05). Rabbits given EF and CB had the highest total volatile fatty acid (VFA ) and propionic acid levels and the lowest ammonia concentrations. Increased villi length and muscular layer thickness and reduced crypt depth were observed in rabbits receiving EF and CB compared with the values obtained in controls (P&lt;0.05). In summary, supplementing fattening rabbit diets with EF and CB, as a novel formulation, might be a promising and easy method to enhance growth performance under hot climate conditions by improving the feed utilization, immune response, serum lipid profile, cecal VFA production, and duodenal morphology.

White Wheat Flour Lowers Plasma Cholesterol and Increases Cecal Steroids Relative to Whole Wheat Flour, Wheat Bran and Wheat Pollard in Rats

Plasma cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in rats fed a cholesterol-free diet containing white wheat flour than those fed the diet with whole wheat or wheat bran. Concentrations of total bile acids and neutral sterols in cecal digesta were significantly higher in rats fed wheat flour than in those fed whole wheat, wheat pollard or wheat bran. Digesta bile acids and neutral sterol pools correlated negatively with plasma cholesterol, indicating that excretion was regulating plasma concentration. Total cecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were unaffected by diet but cecal propionate was higher and butyrate lower in rats fed wheat flour than in those fed whole wheat. Cecal digesta butyrate concentrations correlated negatively with the cholesterol metabolite, coprostanol, and with secondary bile acids. Cecal propionate correlated negatively with plasma cholesterol concentration, but butyrate correlated equally positively, suggesting these VFA were indicators rather than regulators of altered cecal steroid metabolism. Effects of white wheat flour on steroid metabolism and cecal VFA resemble those of oat bran and support the observation that wheat flour might be hypocholesterolemic in humans.

Replacing soybean meal with sunflower meal in laying hens rations and its effects on cecal volatile fatty acids profile and intestinal microbial colonization

This experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of replacing different levels of soybean meal with sunflower meal (with and without enzyme) on cecal volatile fatty acid profile and intestinal microbial colonization in laying hens. In this experiment, 360 laying hens from the age of 47 to 57 weeks, in 9 treatments and five replications (8 hens in each replicate) were performed as a 3 × 3 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design for ten weeks. The results showed that the replacement of 30 and 60 percent sunflower meal and enzyme (100 and 200 gr/ton) has significantly improved the concentration of n-valeric acid on the cecum of laying hens (P&lt; 0.05). Simultaneously, increasing 30 percentage of sunflower meal or 100 of an enzyme enhanced isovaleric acid, n-butyric acid, isobutyric acid, propionic acid, and acetic acid (P&lt; 0.05). Reduction in intestinal log Ecoli was discovered for samples treated with 30 and 60 percent of sunflower (P&lt;0.05), but for log baglus that treated with 30 and 60 percent of sunflower showed higher (P&lt;0.05). The main effects of the enzyme had no significant impact on the cecal microbial population (P&gt;.0.05) while, the effect of meal source and enzyme additive interactions on the tested parameters was significant (P&lt;.0.05). Hence, sunflower meal could be used as an alternative protein source in laying hens ration to improve cecal VFA profile and reduce cecal Ecoli population. Substitution of sunflower meal in laying hens is recommended.

Effects of supplemental tannic acid on growth performance, gut health, microbiota, and fat accumulation and optimal dosages of tannic acid in broilers.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different dosages of tannic acid (TA) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut health, immune system, oxidative status, microbial composition, volatile fatty acids (VFA), bone mineral density, and fat digestion and accumulation in broilers and to find optimal dosages of TA for efficient growth and gut health in broilers. A total of 320 male Cobb500 broilers were randomly distributed to 4 treatments with 8 replicates including 1) tannic acid 0 (TA0): basal diet without TA; 2) tannic acid 0.5 (TA0.5): basal diet with 0.5 g/kg TA; 3) tannic acid 1.5 (TA1.5); and 4) tannic acid 2.5 (TA2.5). Supplemental TA at levels greater than 972 mg/kg tended to reduce BW on D 21 (p = 0.05). The TA2.5 had significantly lower apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein compared to the TA0 group. The AID of ether extract tended to be reduced by TA at levels greater than 525 mg/kg (p = 0.08). The jejunal lipase activities tended to be reduced by TA at levels less than 595.3 mg/kg (p = 0.09). TA linearly decreased goblet cell density in the crypts of the jejunum (p < 0.05) and reduced mRNA expression of mucin two at levels less than 784.9 mg/kg and zonula occludens two at levels less than 892.6 mg/kg (p < 0.05). The TA0.5 group had higher activities of liver superoxide dismutase compared to the TA0 group (p < 0.05). Bone mineral density and contents tended to be linearly decreased by TA (p = 0.05), and the ratio of lean to fat was linearly decreased (p < 0.01). Total cecal VFA production tended to be linearly reduced by TA at levels greater than 850.9 mg/kg (p = 0.07). Supplemental TA tended to increase the relative abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes (p = 0.1) and decrease the relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria (p = 0.1). The relative abundance of the family Rikenellaceae was the lowest at 500 mg/kg TA, and the relative abundance of the family Bacillaceae was the highest at 1,045 mg/kg TA. Collectively, these results indicate that the optimum level of supplemental TA would range between 500 and 900 mg/kg; this range of TA supplementation would improve gut health without negatively affecting growth performance in broilers under antibiotic-free conditions.

The effect of a direct-fed microbial (PrimaLac) and fat inclusion on performance and energy metabolism in broiler chicks and turkey poults

Two battery trials were conducted to determine the effects of dietary direct-fed microbial (DFM) and dietary fat inclusion on broiler chick and turkey poult performance and dietary apparent metabolizable energy, nitrogen corrected (AMEn) when fed corn, wheat, and soy diets. For both experiments, a 2 x 2 factorial experimental design was used with supplemental fat at low (1%, LF) or high (6%, HF) levels and DFM inclusion (0 or 0.91 kg/ton) as main effects. Dietary treatments were randomly assigned to 72 cages of birds and fed for 21 days. Growth performance was measured weekly, and cecal contents were collected for volatile fatty acid (VFA) analysis on day 21. Fat supplementation resulted in increased body weight gain (BWG) in both broilers and turkeys. Specifically, in LF diets, DFM inclusion resulted in increased BWG compared to the non-DFM treatments. Cumulative feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved in HF treatments and the LF with DFM treatment compared to the LF with no DFM. In both trials, as expected, feeding HF diets resulted in increased AMEn. However, the DFM inclusion resulted in a greater uplift in AMEn in LF diets for both broilers and turkeys. In either trial, diet did not impact cecal VFA concentrations; thus, the impact on DFM on VFA production remains uncertain. In conclusion, the performance of broiler chicks and turkey poults was improved by DFM inclusion in reduced fat diets which was associated with increased energy digestibility as measured by AMEn.

Effect of Selenium Sources on Laying Performance, Egg Quality Characteristics, Intestinal Morphology, Microbial Population and Digesta Volatile Fatty Acids in Laying Hens.

Simple SummaryDeficiency in microminerals (e.g., selenium) is a global issue, with a consequent manifestation of health-related challenges in both humans and animals, and is associated with poor animal production and reproductive performance. Due to the health benefit of selenium, dietary supplementation of organic selenium for caecum microbes can be important for balance, maintenance, and performance requirements. Food products containing selenium (eggs) are often referred to as “functional foods”, and are simple to produce from organic sources (selenium). Dietary supplementation with bacterial selenoproteins improves performance index, egg quality parameters, intestinal villus height, and increases the population of beneficial, and decreases harmful caecum microbes in hens, according to the current study. Therefore, it can be used to effectively produce Se-rich eggs as a functional food, while also supporting the caecum microbiome.The use of toxic and less bioavailable inorganic selenium can now be supplemented with an alternative organic source from bacterial species in nutrition for human and animal benefit. This study investigated the effects of selenium sources on laying performance, egg quality characteristics, intestinal morphology, caecum microbial population, and digesta volatile fatty acids in laying hens. One hundred and forty-four Lohman Brown Classic laying hens, at 23 weeks of age, were divided into four experimental groups (36 hens in each), differing in form of Se supplementation: no Se supplementation (Con), 0.3 mg/kg of inorganic Se in the form of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), 0.3 mg/kg of organic Se from selenium yeast (Se-Yeast), and 0.3 mg/kg of organic Se from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (bacterial organic Se, ADS18). The results showed that different dietary Se sources significantly affected laying rate, average egg weight, daily egg mass, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and live bodyweight (LBW) (p < 0.05). However, average daily feed intake and shell-less and broken eggs were unaffected (p > 0.05) among the treatment groups. The findings revealed that selenium sources had no (p > 0.05) effect on egg quality (external and internal) parameters. However, eggshell breaking strength and Haugh unit were significantly (p < 0.05) improved with organic (ADS18 or Se-yeast) Se-fed hens compared to the control group. In addition, egg yolk and breast tissue Se concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in the dietary Se supplemented group compared to the control. Intestinal histomorphology revealed that hens fed ADS18 or Se-Yeast groups had significantly (p < 0.05) higher villi height in the duodenum and jejunum compared to those fed Na2SeO3 or a basal diet. However, when compared to organic Se fed (ADS18 or Se-Yeast) hens, the ileum villus height was higher (p < 0.05) in the basal diet group; with the lowest in the SS among the treatment groups. A significant increase (p < 0.05) of Lactobacilli spp. and Bifidobacteria spp., and a decrease of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. population were observed in the organic (ADS18 or Se-yeast) compared to inorganic supplemented and control hens. The individual digesta volatile fatty acid (VFA) was significantly different, but with no total VFA differences. Thus, bacterial selenoprotein or Se-yeast improved the performance index, egg quality characteristics, egg yolk and tissue Se contents, and intestinal villus height in laying hens. Moreover, caecum beneficial microbes increased with a decrease in the harmful microbe population and affected individual cecal volatile fatty acids without affecting the total VFA of the laying hens digesta.

Effects of Dietary Inclusion Level of Microwave-Dried and Press-Defatted Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal on Productive Performance, Cecal Volatile Fatty Acid Profile, and Egg Quality in Laying Hens.

Simple SummaryThe microwave drying method is convenient in terms of time efficiency, space, and low operational cost compared with the conventional air-drying method. For the same reasons, the microwave drying method has the potential for manufacturing insect meals that could be an alternative protein source in poultry. Therefore, we evaluated the productive performance, cecal volatile fatty acid (FA) profile, and egg quality in laying hens fed on microwave-dried Hermetia illucens larvae meal (HILM) at two different substitution levels (2% and 4%) of soybean meal. Similar productive performance with no negative effects on the nutritional and physical quality of eggs was observed from the study, indicating that microwave-dried HILM can be a potential ingredient in the diets of laying hens. However, further research is needed in improving the manufacturing process for better bioavailability of HILM and improved FA quality of eggs.Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (HILM) is a promising alternative to soybean meal (SBM). However, little information is available on the effect of microwave-dried HILM as a dietary protein source in the diets of laying hens. We studied the effect of dietary inclusion level of microwave-dried HILM on productive performance, cecal volatile fatty acid profile, egg quality, overall fatty acid profile, and heavy metal residues of the egg in laying hens. A total of 144 laying hens (25-week-old) were randomly assigned to three dietary groups (eight replicates and six birds/cage): a control diet, and two experimental diets in which SBM was replaced with 2% HILM (2HILM) and 4% HILM (4HILM). The laying hens that fed the HILM showed satisfactory results in productive performance and egg quality. Branched-chain fatty acid levels increased linearly (p < 0.001) with dietary treatment in the cecal digesta. Total monounsaturated fatty acid increased linearly (p < 0.01), while total polyunsaturated fatty acid decreased linearly (p < 0.01) in the eggs by dietary treatments. Heavy metals, magnesium, zinc, and aluminum were increased linearly with dietary treatment; however, undesirable heavy metals were under permissible levels. Thus, microwave-dried HILM could be a possible alternative to SBM in the diets of laying hens; however, improvements in fatty acid profile are needed.

Antimicrobial Effects of Black Soldier Fly and Yellow Mealworm Fats and Their Impact on Gut Microbiota of Growing Rabbits.

Simple SummaryThe use of insect lipids as an alternative ingredient is an emergent topic in animal nutrition due to their antimicrobial activities. The present study evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial activities of two insect fats (black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens (HI) fat and yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor (TM) fat) and their effect as a total substitute for dietary soybean oil in cecal fermentation and gut microbiota of growing rabbits. The obtained results showed the potential of HI and TM fats as an antibacterial feed ingredient with a positive influence on the rabbit cecal microbiota. HI and TM fats therefore may be a sustainable lipid alternative to soybean oil in rabbit nutrition with possible interesting applications in the feed industry.This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activities of two types of insect fats extracted from black soldier fly larvae (HI, Hermetia illucens L.) and yellow mealworm larvae (TM, Tenebrio molitor L.) and their effects as dietary replacement of soybean oil (S) on cecal fermentation pattern, and fecal and cecal microbiota in rabbits. A total of 120 weaned rabbits were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments (40 rabbits/group) —a control diet (C diet) containing 1.5% of S and two experimental diets (HI diet (HID) and TM diet (TMD)), where S was totally substituted by HI or TM fats during the whole trial that lasted 41 days. Regarding the in vitro antimicrobial activities, HI and TM fats did not show any effects on Salmonella growth. Yersinia enterocolitica showed significantly lower growth when challenged with HI fats than the controls. The insect fat supplementation in rabbit diets increased the contents of the cecal volatile fatty acids when compared to the control group. A metataxonomic approach was adopted to investigate the shift in the microbial composition as a function of the dietary insect fat supplementation. The microbiota did not show a clear separation as a function of the inclusion, even if a specific microbial signature was observed. Indeed, HI and TM fat supplementation enriched the presence of Akkermansia that was found to be correlated with NH3-N concentration. An increase in Ruminococcus, which can improve the immune response of the host, was also observed. This study confirms the potential of HI and TM fats as antibacterial feed ingredients with a positive influence on the rabbit cecal microbiota, thus supporting the possibility of including HI and TM fats in rabbit diets.

The effects of thyme oil and black cumin oil in broiler feeding on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, and cecal volatile fatty acids

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of thyme oil and black cumin oil that are added to broiler rations at certain ratios, on performance (body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, mortality, European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), histomorphological parameters of jejunum and ileum, and cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations. In the study, 216 male chicks (Ross 308) were randomly divided into 4 groups of 54 chicks each. Each group was divided into 9 subgroups of 6 chicks. The chicks were fed with corn, soya bean, and full-fat soybean-based rations for 42 days. While the control group was fed with basic ration, the experimental groups were fed respectively with 250 mg/kg thyme oil (T), 100 mg/kg black cumin oil (B), 250 mg/kg thyme oil, and 100 mg/kg black cumin oil (BT) added to the basic ration. There was no statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of performance, mortality, and EPEF. No statistically significant difference was found in all groups in terms of jejunum histomorphology (villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), and VH/CD ratio). When the ileum histomorphology was examined, there was a statistically significant difference between the control and study groups in terms of crypt depth (P < 0.05). On the 42nd day of the study, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, isocaproic acid, caproic acid, total SCFA and BCFA (?mol/g) in the cecal digesta. In conclusion, the use of thyme oil and black cumin oil in broiler rations did not affect performance parameters and cecum essential fatty acids, but they had positive effects on intestinal health.

Effect of feeding fermented mixture of cassava pulp and Moringa oleifera leaf meal on immune responses, antioxidative status, biochemistry indices, and intestinal ecology of broilers.

Aim:The study investigated the effect of feeding fermented mixture of cassava pulp and Moringa oleifera leaf meal (FCPMO) on the immune responses, antioxidative status, biochemical parameters, and intestinal ecology of broiler chickens.Materials and Methods:Four hundred Lohmann broiler chickens were distributed to four groups of diets including CONT (corn-soybean-based feed with no additive), BACI (corn-soybean-based diet supplemented with 0.1% zinc bacitracin), FERM (diet containing 20% FCPMO), and FERB (diet containing 20% FCPMO and added with 0.1% Bacillus subtilis). At days 4, 14, and 19, the chicks were vaccinated using commercial Newcastle disease-infectious bursal disease (ND-IBD), IBD, and ND vaccines, respectively. At day 35, blood was sampled and digesta was obtained from the ileum and caecum. Furthermore, the duodenal segment was obtained.Results:The BACI, FERM, and FERB groups had higher (p<0.05) serum superoxide dismutase activity than control. The malondialdehyde was lower (p=0.07) in BACI, FERM, and FERB than that in CONT. The BACI and FERM had lower (p<0.05) leukocytes and lymphocytes than CONT. The hemoglobin, erythrocytes, and hematocrit were lower (p<0.05) in BACI and FERM than those in CONT and FERB. Serum total triglyceride was lower (p<0.05) in FERM and FERB than that in CONT. The FERM and FERB had higher (p<0.05) albumin levels. Serum globulin level was lower (p<0.05) in FERB than that in BACI, but did not differ from that in CONT and FERM. The numbers of coliform, lactose-negative-enterobacteria and enterobacteria were lower (p<0.05) in FERB than that in other treatment groups. Crypt depth (CD) was higher (p<0.05) in FERM, while the villi height to CD ratio was lower (p<0.05) in FERM than that in CONT and FERB. The treatments showed no effect (p>0.05) on cecal volatile fatty acids production.Conclusion:Feeding FCPMO improved immune responses, antioxidative status, and physiological conditions, but had less effect on the intestinal ecology of broilers.

132 Short-term and long-term intake of high-level pea fiber specifically affects the bacterial community and metabolites in the cecum of pigs

Abstract Current study was conducted to investigate the influence of short-term and long-term feeding of high-level pea-hull fiber (PF) on the bacterial community and metabolites in the cecum of pigs. A total of 50 healthy weaned Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire piglets (7.2 ± 0.5 kg) were selected and randomly allocated in two groups with 5 replicates (5 piglets per replicate) in each group. Pigs in control group were given basal diets. For pigs in another group, expanded corn in the basal diet was replaced by PF at 10%, 20% or 30% for the post-weaning period (from weaning to 30 d post-weaning), growing period (30–90 d post-weaning), and finishing period (90–160 d post-weaning), respectively. At the end of the first and the last period, one pig from each replicate was sacrificed and the cecal digesta was collected immediately. Results showed that: 1) short-term or long-term intake of high-level PF had no significant effect on the ADFI and ADG of the pigs (P &amp;gt; 0.05), but the F/G was significantly decreased in the long-term fed pigs (P &amp;lt; 0.05). 2) The long-term feeding of PF significantly increased the concentration of cecal volatile fatty acids and decreased the ratio of propionate (P &amp;lt; 0.05). 3) Compared with control group, the ratio of phylum Firmicutes in the cecum of piglets with short-term feeding of PF was reduced by 5.6%, with an increase of Bacteroides-Prevotella-Porphyromonas (BPP), Enterococcus, Clostridium cluster IV, Bacteroidetes, Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans (P &amp;lt; 0.05). While in the cecum of pigs with long-term feeding of PF, the ratio of phylum Bacteroidetes was increased by 4.8%, with an increase of D. desulfuricans (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and a decrease of BPP, Helicobacter-Flexispira-Wollinella, Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Clostridium cluster I (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Results indicate that bacteria in the hindgut of pigs can rapidly response to the high-level PF in the diet.

Effects of age and supplemental xylanase in corn- and wheat-based diets on cecal volatile fatty acid concentrations of broilers

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of age and supplemental xylanase in corn- or wheat-based diets on cecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations of Ross × Ross 708 male broilers during weekly intervals from 14 to 42d of age. Day-old chicks (1,500) were randomly distributed into 60 floor pens (25 chicks/pen; 0.078 m2/bird) and fed 1 of 4 dietary treatments (TRT) throughout the starter (1 to 14d of age), grower (15 to 28d of age), and finisher (29 to 42d of age) phases with 15 replicates per TRT. Dietary TRT consisted of a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 diet types (corn- or wheat-based) and 2 xylanase inclusions (0 or 16,000 BXU/kg) as the main factors. At 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42d of age, cecal contents were collected (4 birds/pen) for VFA analysis. Main effects of cereal grain source (P < 0.05) affected propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, valeric, and isocaproic acid concentrations at 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42d of age. Broilers fed corn-based diets had higher (P < 0.05) propionic, isobutyric, isovaleric, valeric, and isocaproic concentrations than those fed wheat-based diets from 14 to 42d of age. However, broilers fed wheat-based diets had higher (P < 0.05) butyric acid concentrations at 28, 35, and 42d of age compared with those fed corn-based diets. Individual and total VFA concentrations increased (P < 0.05) linearly from 14 to 42d of age. Age and cereal grain interacted (P < 0.05) to affect propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, and valeric acid concentrations. These results indicate that broiler cecal VFA concentrations are influenced by cereal grain source and age. In contrast, supplemental xylanase inconsistently influenced broiler cecal VFA concentrations. Therefore, future research evaluating factors affecting supplemental xylanase and cecal VFA production in broilers is warranted. Additionally, research investigating cereal grain source effects on cecal microflora development and fermentative patterns may be beneficial for optimizing cecal VFA production in broilers.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) root chips inclusion in the diets of broiler chickens: effects on growth performance, ileal histomorphology, and cecal volatile fatty acid production.

Exploration and evaluation of alternative feedstuffs in the poultry diets are critical to the industry when the prices of conventional energy sources (i.e., corn and wheat) fluctuate widely and are limited in supply. Cassava root chips (CRC) is rich in energy and fiber, and thus may serve as an alternative energy source in poultry diets, while the fiber in it will undergo microbial fermentation and improve the gut health of broilers. This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of different levels of CRC on the growth performance and gut health parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 180 day-old chicks were allocated randomly to 5 dietary treatments, each with 6 replicate pens. The 5 dietary treatments were the corn-soybean meal-based diets with 0, 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50% CRC inclusion in the 42-D feeding trial. Ileal histomorphology and cecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) were evaluated as indicators of gut health. Compared to the control group (0% CRC), broiler body weight was not different (P > 0.05) up to 25% CRC inclusion in the starter period (1 to 21 D) and up to 37.5% in the total study period (1 to 42 D). The average daily gain was significantly lower (P < 0.05) at 50% CRC inclusion in the starter period and for the total study period. Feed conversion ratio did not differ (P > 0.05) up to 37.5% CRC inclusion in the starter diet, and up to 50% CRC inclusion in the finisher diet. Villus height, crypt depth, their ratio, and villus surface area were not different among the treatments (P > 0.05). Total VFA and acetate production increased with the increasing dietary inclusion of CRC from 25 to 50%. In conclusion, CRC can be used to replace conventional energy feedstuff (like corn) up to 25 and 37.5% in starter and finisher diets, respectively. Use of CRC in diets may benefit broiler chickens' production by reducing feed costs and contribute to improving gut health.

Effects of cereal grain source and supplemental xylanase concentrations on broiler growth performance and cecal volatile fatty acid concentrations from 1 to 40 d of age

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding diets varying in cereal grain source and supplemental xylanase concentrations on growth performance and cecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations of Ross × Ross 708 male broilers from 1 to 40d of age. A total of 1,536 day-old chicks were randomly distributed into 64 floor pens (24 chicks/pen; 0.08 m2/bird) and fed 1 of 8 dietary treatments (TRT) with 8 replicates per TRT. Experimental TRT were of either corn- (TRT 1 to 4) or wheat-based (TRT 5 to 8) origins. The 4 dietary TRT for each cereal grain source consisted of a positive control (PC) reference diet and 3 reduced AMEn diets (AMEn reduced 66kcal/kg below PC) with supplemental xylanase at either 0 (negative control), 12,000, or 24,000 BXU/kg. Birds and feed were weighed at 1, 14, 26, and 40d of age to determine BW gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. At 26 and 40d of age, cecal contents were collected and pooled per pen (7 birds/pen; 5 replicate pens/TRT) for VFA concentrations. No TRT differences (P > 0.05) in cumulative growth performance were observed. Likewise, no TRT differences (P > 0.05) in acetic or total VFA concentrations were observed at 26 or 40d of age. However, cereal grain source (P < 0.05) influenced propionic, isobutyric, butyric, and isovaleric concentrations at 26 and 40d of age with birds receiving the corn-based diets having higher (P < 0.05) cecal propionic, isobutyric, and isovaleric concentrations, and lower (P < 0.05) butyric acid concentrations than those fed the wheat-based diets. These results indicate that dietary cereal grain source may influence individual cecal VFA concentrations. However, supplemental xylanase did not affect broiler growth performance or cecal VFA concentrations. Therefore, future research evaluating factors limiting xylanase responses on broiler growth performance and cecal VFA production is warranted.

Effects of Low-Protein Diets and Exogenous Protease on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Intestinal Morphology, Cecal Volatile Fatty Acids and Serum Parameters in Broilers.

Simple SummaryTo maintain sustainability, the poultry production industry uses low-protein diets to minimize the potential for environmental pollution from nitrogen waste. However, reducing dietary crude protein may compromise the performance and health of the chickens. Thus, strategies using crystalline amino acids or exogenous protease added to the low-protein diets, the latter being the more recent trend, have been common practice in the industry, in order to meet the ever-increasing demand for poultry meat in the most sustainable way possible. In the present study, we evaluated a novel protease, produced by the bacterial species Bacillus clausii isolated from the body fluid of a polychaete (Periserrula leucophryna) found only in Korean waters, as an additive in broiler chickens fed the low-protein diets. We found that dietary protease improved growth performance in these broiler chickens.Dietary exogenous proteases (ENZ) can be used in poultry production to improve the growth of chickens fed low-protein (LP) diets. We hypothesized that ENZ supplemented in an LP diet would improve growth performance and physiological response in broilers for 8–35 days. To investigate this, we used a 2 × 2 factorial design with crude protein (CP, normal diet (NP) and LP) and ENZ. The LP diet contained low in 1% CP and ca. 8–12% amino acids compared to the NP diet and both NP and LP diets were added without or with (1 g/kg of diet) ENZ. We randomly allocated 720 1-week-old Ross 308 male chicks to 48 pens and experimental diets. At 21 days, dietary ENZ, but not CP, increased (p = 0.007) live body weight. Body weight gain from 8–21 days was affected (p = 0.006) by dietary ENZ, but was not affected (p = 0.210) by CP. The feed conversion ratio was affected by both CP and ENZ during the starter period (p < 0.05), by ENZ (p = 0.034) during the finisher period, and by CP (p < 0.001) during the whole period. However, the interaction between CP and ENZ did not significantly affect growth performance (p > 0.05). Dietary ENZ increased (p = 0.013) the relative weight of liver at 21 days. CP and ENZ affected (p = 0.043) total short-chain fatty acids at 21 days. However, this effect was not seen (p = 0.888) at 35 days. Dietary CP increased (p < 0.05) the serum concentrations of both uric acid and creatinine in broilers. We concluded that dietary ENZ is more beneficial to younger broilers, independent of CP levels, and that its effect was restricted to body weight and the feed conversion ratio.

Effects of dietary Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on mucosal immunity, cecal volatile fatty acids and microbial diversity in broiler chickens

This trial was conducted to investigate the adhesion of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens to Caco-2 cells, the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on the mucosal immunity, cecal volatile fatty acids and microbial diversity in broiler chickens. Three hundred and sixty 1-d-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly divided into 3 dietary treatments groups, which birds fed with basal diet, basal diet supplemented with colistine sulfate, and basal diet supplemented with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the change of cecal microflora, and Gas Chromatography was used to analyze the cecal volatile fatty acids. Data showed that: 1) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens had a good adhesion ability to epithelial cells; 2) the supplementation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens significantly increased the concentration of ileal mucosal secretory IgA and interleukin 6, decreased (P Lass Than 0.05) the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-a; 3) resulted in the change of cecal microbial community, higher levels of acetic acid, methylacetic and isovaleric acid in the birds. Thus, we considered that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens enhanced the mucosal immunity, increased the cecal concentration of major volatile fatty acids and the diversity microflora community in broilers.