Chicken Intestine Research Articles

Effect of Glycerol on Physical, Mechanical and Color Properties of Chicken Intestine Gelatin Films

Background: The vast majority of the polymers for plastic food packaging used today are synthetic. The increasing use of synthetic plastic packaging films causes severe ecological problems. Hence, there is a thin layer of ecologically beneficial and consumable packaging material found to replace plastic called as edible film. The main ingredient to make edible film is gelatin. Edible film made from chicken intestines gelatin has not been carried out. Gelatin films offer a strong defense against light, air and scent transfer, but they can be too fragile as packaging material. Glycerol can be used as a plasticizer to solve these weak. This work aims to establish the best glycerol concentration on the physical, mechanical and color properties of edible films. Methods: This research applied a completely randomized design, involving five glycerol concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%) and three replications. The data collected were further analyzed using the variance test and the Tukey test was used to find out the differences between the treatments provided. Result: According to the findings, glycerol concentration treatments had a significant effect (P less than 0.05) on moisture content, thickness, water vapor permeability, solubility, tensile strength, elongation, Young’s modulus, L* and transparency. While a*, b*, DE and WI had no significant effect (P greater than 0.05). In this case, the best chicken intestine gelatin edible film was made of 10% glycerol concentration.

STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF ULTRAFINE PARTICLES ON MICROBIOCENOSIS OF THE BLIND INTESTINE OF BROILER CHICKENS

Introduction. Poultry farming, as the most knowledge-intensive and sustainably functioning branch of animal husbandry, makes a significant contribution to ensuring the country's food security. Considering the importance of the use of promising trace element preparations for modern poultry farming, studies have been undertaken to assess the effects of ultrafine particles of trace element metals on the poultry body. Trace elements are usually used in very small amounts in animal nutrition, but problems such as lower bioavailability, antagonism and a higher rate of excretion from the body limit their effectiveness. Recent studies have also demonstrated the modulation of intestinal health by nanoparticles by increasing the number of beneficial microbes (Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium) and the production of short-chain fatty acids. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of ultrafine particles of copper and iron on microbiocenosis of the blind intestine of broiler chickens. Material and methods. During the experiment to assess the effect of ultrafine particles of copper and iron on growth and development, blood parameters, mineral metabolism and microbiocenosis of the blind intestine in the body of broiler chickens on a balanced diet, 105 week-old broiler chickens were selected, which were divided into 3 groups by the method of pairs of analogues (n=35). During the experiment, all the birds were in the same feeding and maintenance conditions. The duration of the main accounting period was 28 days. The poultry of the control group received an experienced diet (ED), I experimental – ED together with UP of iron at a dosage of 17 mg / kg, II experimental – ED together with UP of copper at a dosage of 1.7 mg / kg of feed. Results. The dosage of iron and copper were chosen taking into account the previously established positive effect. The additional introduction of UP copper into the diet had a growth-stimulating effect throughout the experimental study. At the end of the studies, the maximum increase in live weight was noted in the II experimental group – by 5.12%, in the I group – by 2.64%. Hematological blood parameters of broiler chickens demonstrated a change in the hemostasis system after administration of UP iron and copper. The evaluation of the data obtained indicates the variability of morphological and biochemical parameters within the physiological norm, with a tendency to decrease against the background of the introduction of ultrafine Fe and Cu particles. In the experimental group that received the UP iron preparation with food, Firmicutes (63.42%) dominated among the representatives of phylum, Bacteroidetes (17.34%) and Proteobacteria (7.43%) were also present. Ruminococcaceae (23.03%) and Lachnospiraceae (13.05%) prevailed among the families. Representatives of phylum Firmicutes (67.36%), Bacteroidetes (19.48%) and Proteobacteria (5.23%) were present in the cecum of broiler chickens treated with UP copper at a dosage of 1.7 mg/kg of feed. Among the families, the most numerous were such taxa as Ruminococcaceae (21.58%), Lachnospiraceae (18.67%) and Sphingobacteriaceae (13.10%). Conclusion. The results of our study demonstrate the need to study the bacterial diversity in the intestines of broiler chickens in order to study the effect of various feed additives on the metabolism and condition of the gastrointestinal tract of poultry.

Anaerobic fermentation of soybean meal by Bacillus subtilis ED-3-7 and its effect on the intestinal microbial community of chicken

A strain named ED-3-7 with a high protease-producing ability was screened in a previous study. This strain can be used for the anaerobic fermentation of soybean meal (SBM) to degrade macromolecular antigen proteins and antinutritional factors. We here evaluated the nutritional quality of the anaerobic fermented SBM and its effects on the chicken intestinal microbial community. Crude protein and acid-soluble protein contents increased by 11.68% and 342.61%, glycinin and β-conglycinin decreased by 82.04% and 88.42%, urease content decreased by 90.10%, and the trypsin inhibitor content was lower than the range specified in the detection kit. After being fed with the fermented SBM, the average daily gain, nutrient digestibility of the chickens increased, and their intestinal bacterial community exhibited significant changes. The richness and diversity of bacterial species decreased, and Lactobacillus became the dominant genus, which was conducive to the health of chicken intestines. The experimental results revealed that ED-3-7 anaerobic fermentation improved the nutritional quality of SBM and had beneficial effects on chicken intestines. Thus, the strain could be used for large-scale industrial production.

Dietary Zanthoxylum bungeanum leaf powder improves growth performance and antioxidant capacity via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in broilers.

This study focused on the effects of dietary Zanthoxylum bungeanum leaves (ZBL) powder on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in broilers. The experiment adopted a single-factor completely random design, and 440 healthy one-day-old AA broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (CON) was fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet, the CZ1 group was fed a basic diet with 1% ZBL powder, the CZ2 group fed a basic diet with 2% ZBL powder, and the CZ3 group fed a basic diet with 3% ZBL powder. The experiment was divided into the starter period (1-21 d) and the grower period (22-42 d). There were five replicates per group in the starter period, with 22 chickens per replicate. The same grouping as in the starter period was used in the grower period, with 20 chickens per replicate. The results showed that the addition of ZBL powder to the diet had no adverse effects on the growth performance and morphological structure of the intestine of broiler chickens in the CZ1 and CZ2 groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the diet with 1% and 2% ZBL powder significantly increased the antioxidant indicators such as CAT, T-AOC, and T-SOD in the serum and liver tissue of broiler chickens, it upregulated the related genes expression of nuclear factor erythroid derived-2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway such as Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1, SOD1, and CAT in the jejunal mucosa and enhanced the expression of ZO-1 and OCLN genes in the jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1% and 2% of ZBL powder into the daily diet can enhance the body's antioxidant capacity by elevating antioxidant levels in both serum and liver, upregulates the expression of genes associated with the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in the jejunal mucosa, and helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. The optimal addition level of ZBL powder in the diet was determined by quadratic regression analysis to be 1.36%-1.60% during days 1-21 and 1.14%-1.50% during days 22-42.

Comparative analysis of innate immune responses in Sonali and broiler chickens infected with tribasic H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza virus

BackgroundH9N2 avian influenza viruses have been circulating in Bangladesh since 2006, affecting multiple avian species and resulting in economic losses. The recent emergence of tribasic strains, along with co-infections, has increased the risk to poultry health. Therefore, the study aimed to compare the immune responses of Sonali (crossbred) and commercial broiler chickens infected with tribasic H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus.MethodsFollowing H9N2 infection, proinflammatory (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α) and antiviral (IFN-β and IFN-γ) cytokine expressions were observed in the trachea, lungs, intestine, and lymphoid tissues in Sonali and broiler chickens from 1 day post infection (dpi) to 10 dpi by qPCR.ResultsSonali chickens exhibited significantly higher proinflammatory and antiviral cytokine expressions in the trachea at 3–7 days post infection (dpi), while broiler chickens showed lower immune responses. Broiler chickens displayed prolonged IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β expression in lungs at 3–10 dpi compared to Sonali chickens. In the intestine, broiler chickens showed higher IL-6 and IL-8 expression that peaks at 1–3 dpi, while in Sonali chickens only IL-1β elevated at 10 dpi. In response to the H9N2 viruses, broiler chickens exhibited a stronger early IFN-β responses and a delayed IFN-γ responses in their lymphoid organs compared to Sonali chickens.ConclusionThis suggests distinct immune profiles between the chicken types in response to the H9N2 infection. The information sheds light on the function of innate immunity in the pathophysiology of currently circulating tribasic H9N2 virus and could assist in effective controlling of avian influenza virus spread in poultry and designing vaccines.

Hox gene activity directs physical forces to differentially shape chick small and large intestinal epithelia.

Hox transcription factors play crucial roles in organizing developmental patterning across metazoa, but how these factors trigger regional morphogenesis has largely remained a mystery. In the developing gut, Hox genes help demarcate identities of intestinal subregions early in embryogenesis, which ultimately leads to their specialization in both form and function. Although the midgut forms villi, the hindgut develops sulci that resolve into heterogeneous outgrowths. Combining mechanical measurements of the embryonic chick intestine and mathematical modeling, we demonstrate that the posterior Hox gene HOXD13 regulates biophysical phenomena that shape the hindgut lumen. We further show that HOXD13 acts through the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathway to thicken, stiffen, and promote isotropic growth of the subepithelial mesenchyme-together, these features lead to hindgut-specific surface buckling. TGF-β, in turn, promotes collagen deposition to affect mesenchymal geometry and growth. We thus identify a cascade of events downstream of positional identity that direct posterior intestinal morphogenesis.

Isolation, Potential Beneficial Properties, and Assessment of Storage Stability of Direct-Fed Microbial Consortia from Wild-Type Chicken Intestine.

Direct-fed microorganisms (DFM) are recognized as an alternative to antibiotic-based growth promoters in poultry production due to their health benefits. DFM, however, should undergo rigorous safety testing to ensure they meet the criteria to be "Generally Recognized as Safe." This study assessed eight bacterial consortia (BC) isolated from the ileal and cecal intestinal regions of wild-type chickens, subjecting them to probiotic tests. Subsequently, they were spray- and freeze-dried to evaluate their storage stability for 30days. BC5-I and BC7-I, isolated from the ileum, emerged as promising DFM, displaying a high content of Lactobacillales using a selective medium and higher susceptibility to Gram-positive and Gram-negative antibiotics. These BC showed a high tolerance to temperature (> 90%), pH > 4 (88-98%), and antagonist effects against Escherichia coli and Salmonella. BC5-I exhibited superior survival in the simulated gastric conditions and satisfactory intestine mucus adhesion. Freeze-drying was the best method to obtain BC5-I and BC7-I powders, with a survival efficiency of 80.3% and 73.2%, respectively, compared to the beginning of storage. BC5-I presented the lowest cell death rate and prolonged half-life through survival storage kinetics. BC5-I only contained Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri was the predominant species in liquid (78.3%) and freeze-dried (59.8%) forms. BC5-I stands out as a promising Lactobacillus-based DFM that could improve chicken intestinal health and enhance meat and egg production.

The effects of early feeding with different pre-starter diets on growth performance, morphological development and microorganism content of the small intestine of broiler chicks

The present study was conducted to compare the effects of feeding 2 different pre-starter diets to broiler chicks at 2 different times on growth performance, slaughtering parameters, morphological development of the small intestine segments and the microorganism content of the ileum of broilers. A total of 600 day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 5 treatment groups with 5 replicates of 24 chicks each. The experimental treatments included: SD10: broiler chicks were fed a corn-soybean meal-based starter diet for 0-10 days; 1PSD5: chicks were fed a first pre-starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 0-5 days, afterwards they were fed a starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 5-10 days; 1PSD10: chicks were fed the first pre-starter diet for 0-10 days; 2PSD5: chicks were fed a second pre-starter diet based on rice-soybean meal for 0-5 days, afterwards they were fed a starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 5-10 days; 2PSD10: chicks were fed the second pre-starter diet for 0-10 days. Broilers were fed a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal until the end of the experimental period. The 1PSD5, 1PSD10, 2PSD5 and 2PSD10 treatments significantly increased final body weight (BW) and BW gain, decreased feed intake (FI) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers from 0 to 42 day compared to the SD10 treatment. The lowest FI and the best FCR of broilers during the period of 0 to 42 day were obtained by the 2PSD5 treatment. The 1PSD5, 1PSD10, 2PSD5 and 2PSD10 treatments significantly enhanced the hot- and cold-carcass yields and villus heights (VHs) and decreased crypt depths of small intestine segments of broilers on day 42. However, the experimental treatments did not significantly affect the the E.coli and Lactobacillus contents of ileum of broilers on day 42. In conclusion, feeding of chicks with the pre-starter diet based on rice-soybean meal supplemented with enzyme complex and synbiotic for 0-5 days was a more effective treatment in terms of performance especially FI and FCR, carcass yields and VHs of small intestine segments of broilers.

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.

Assessing the Impact of Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) Extract on Intestinal and Hepatic Histological Alterations in Broiler Chickens Infected with Salmonella typhimurium

This study investigated effects of aqueous and ethanolic clove extracts in small intestine and liver of chickens exposed to Salmonella typhimurium. Two hundred fifty-day-old chicks were divided into five groups. Group 1 served as the control and received a basic diet.Group 2 was orally infected with Salmonella typhimurium. Group 3 received same infection but was treated with Ciprofloxacin. Groups 4 and 5 were infected but received treatments of aqueous and ethanolic clove extracts, respectively. The findings revealed that Group 1 exhibited normal small intestine, while Group 2 displayed severe abnormalities, including flattened mucosa, damaged villi, and inflammation. Group 3 showed improvements, increased cell growth and goblet cells in the small intestine. Group 4 displayed nearly normal intestinal features. Group 5 had fully restored intestinal health. In the liver, Group 1 showed typical hepatic structure, whereas Group 2 exhibited signs of inflammation and hepatocyte necrosis. Group 3 displayed severe hepatocyte damage, while Group 4 demonstrated restored liver structure with slight sinusoidal dilation. Group 5 had a well-preserved hepatic architecture with minor inflammation. Administration of 2 mg/kg of aqueous and ethanolic clove extracts demonstrated alleviate histological alterations in small intestine and liver caused by Salmonella typhimurium infection. Notably, the aqueous extract is more effective than ethanolic extract in reducing liver and intestine damage.

Analyzing the morphology and avian β-defensins genes (AvβD) expression in the small intestine of Cobb500 broiler chicks fed with sodium butyrate

BackgroundSodium butyrate is a potential antibiotic growth promoter and has had advantageous effects on the poultry industry.MethodsEvaluating the effect of sodium butyrate on the intestinal villi and the humoral part of innate immunity of the male Cobb 500 broiler using scanning electron microscopy and quantitative real-time PCR analysis, the control group and treated group of Cobb 500 with SB supplemented received water containing 0.98 mg sodium butyrate.ResultsThe administration of sodium butyrate changed the villi characters, as the shape changed from tongue to long tongue. They were mainly parallel to each other and long finger-like at the duodenum. The tips of the villi in the control group appeared thin-slight curved with a prominent center in the duodenum, thin rectangular in the jejunum, and ileum in the control group. In contrast, in the treatment group, they changed to thick rectangular in the duodenum and ileum zigzag shape in the jejunum. The epithelium lining of the duodenal villi showed a dome shape, the jejunal villi showed a polygonal shape, and the ileal villi appeared scales-like. The epithelium lining showed irregular microfolds and many different-sized pores, and the treatment group showed islands of long microvilli in the duodenum and solitary long microvilli in the ileum. Real-time PCR of AvBD 1, 2, 10, and 12 significantly (P < 0.01). The better expression of AvBD 1, 2, and 12 was determined in the duodenum, while AvBD 10 was in the jejunum.ConclusionSodium butyrate enhanced the chicks’ growth and small intestine parameters, modified the morphology of the intestinal villi, and improved the humoral part of innate immunity.

Evaluation of in vitro probiotic properties and colonization of Brevibacillus Laterosporus S62-9 in the intestine of broiler chickens

Brevibacillus laterosporus has been used as a direct-fed microbial additive in chicken feed owing to its strain safety and the ability to produce broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides. To assess the efficacy and persistence of Brevibacillus laterosporus, it is necessary to track the supplied strains throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro probiotic properties of Brevibacillus laterosporus S62-9 and its capacity to colonize and persist in the intestines of broiler chickens. Results indicated that the spores of Brevibacillus laterosporus S62-9 exhibited higher tolerance to the digestive condition, and higher adhesion rate to mucus and intestinal cells compared to vegetative cells. The spores remained dormant during digestion in the crop and stomach but germinate in the small intestine with a germination rate exceeding 70%. Subsequently, the whole genome of S62-9 was sequenced, and specific primers were designed and validated based on comparative genome analysis. The quantitative PCR-based method had a detection limit ranging from 2.71 to 7.71 log10 CFU/mL in pure culture and from 3.25 to 9.25 log10 CFU/g in broiler cecal content. In vivo colonization assay indicated that the Brevibacillus laterosporus S62-9 can transiently colonize the broiler cecum. In summary, our results indicated that the Brevibacillus laterosporus S62-9 spores exhibited high tolerance to the digestive tract environment, germinated in the intestine, and establish colonization in the cecum of broilers. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the future application of Brevibacillus laterosporus S62-9 in broiler farming.

Effects of probiotic Subalin on body weight gain in broiler chickens with spontaneous eimeriosis

The purpose of the research is to study the probiotic Subalin effects on body weight gain in broiler chickens with spontaneous eimeriosis.Materials and methods. On a poultry farm in the Moscow Region, the body weight gain dynamics was studied in 120 floormanaged broiler chickens aged 9 to 40 days spontaneously infected with eimeria after administration of different doses of the probiotic Subalin vs. control. The chickens selected for the experiment were divided into four similar groups of 30 birds each. Subalin was administered to the first group chickens at a dose of 1.5 mL per 1 L of drinking water, while the broilers of the second and third groups were administered Subalin at a dose of 2 and 2.5 mL per 1 L of water, respectively. Subalin doses were given to the chickens of groups 1–3 in three stages: on 11–12; 18–19 and 26–27 days of age for consecutive 48 hours. The broilers of group 4 did not receive the drug and served as a control. The chickens of all groups underwent clinical, hematological, and coprological examinations; they were kept in similar conditions on the floor, in isolation, and fed as per zootechnical standards. Control weighing of the chickens was done on days 10 and 40 of their growth.Results and discussion. The total weight gain of the group 1 chickens was 1985 g in the experiment; 2203 g and 2214 g in groups 2 and 3, respectively, and 1803 g in the control group. The productivity of the experimental chickens was 10.1; 22.2 and 22.8% higher vs. control. The Subalin optimal dose was 2 mL per 1 L of drinking water according to the above scheme. The tested doses of Subalin had positive effects on the number of enterobacteria in the chicken intestines. Blood tests showed no statistically significant changes in clinical or hematological parameters in the experimental and control chickens.

The Occurrence of Colistin Resistance in Potential Lactic Acid Bacteria of Food-Producing Animals in India.

The overuse of colistin, the last-resort antibiotic, has led to the emergence of colistin-resistant bacteria, which is a major concern. Lactic acid bacteria which are generally regarded as safe are known to be reservoirs of antibiotic resistance that possibly pose a threat to human and animal health. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence of colistin antimicrobial resistance in livestock in India, that is lactic acid bacteria in healthy chickens, sheep, beef, and swine of Mysore. Diverse phenotypic and genotypic colistin resistance were examined among the lactic acid bacterial species (n = 84) isolated from chicken (n = 44), sheep (n = 16), beef (n = 14), and swine (n = 10). Hi-comb, double-disk diffusion tests, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and biofilm formation were assessed for phenotypic colistin resistance. Specific primers for colistin-resistant genes were used for the determination of genotypic colistin resistance. Around 20%, 18%, and 1% were colistin-resistant Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Pediococcus species, respectively. Among these, 66.67% exhibited MDR phenotypes, including colistin antibiotic. The identified resistant isolates are Levilactobacillus brevis LBA and LBB (2), Limosilactobacillus fermentum LBF (1), and Pediococcus acidilactici CHBI (1). The mcr-1 and mcr-3 genes were detected in Levilactobacillus brevis LBA, LBB, and Pediococcus acidilactici CHBI isolated from chicken and sheep intestines respectively. The study identified colistin resistance determinants in lactobacilli from food animals, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance and monitoring of resistance spread. These findings underscore colistin resistance as a significant medical concern and should be integrated into India's ongoing antimicrobial resistance monitoring programs.

Measurement of temperature, pH and substrate levels on the activity of the Galactose-1-Phosphate Uridyltransferase enzyme

Galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) is an important enzyme involved in galactose metabolism. Understanding the factors influencing GALT activity is critical to elucidate its physiological role and potential therapeutic implications in galactosemia. In developing new drugs, chicken intestine/liver powder can be used as an enzyme source, GALT, to treat galactosemia. Therefore, it is necessary to research the characterization of the GALT enzyme in chicken intestine and liver powder. In this study, we investigated the influence of temperature, pH, and substrate level on GALT enzyme activity using an experimental approach in vitro. The optimum pH extraction results show that the optimum pH for the extraction of the chicken intestine and liver GALT is pH 7, with activity values ​​of 0.47 units/mL and 0.3953 units/mL, respectively. The optimum temperature for the extraction of chicken intestine and liver GALT is 37℃ with substrate hydrolysis capabilities of 0.48 U/mL and 0.57 U/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, the optimum substrate content is 400x. These insights provide a valuable foundation for further research aimed at comprehensively understanding GALT function, developing targeted interventions for disorders of galactose metabolism, and possible application in the development of new drugs for galactosemia

Isolation of Bacillus licheniformis and its protective effect on liver oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most toxic mycotoxins. The use of probiotics is an effective approach to reduce aflatoxins content in foods. To find efficient bacterial species that can eliminate or detoxify AFB1, a bacterial strain S51 capable of degrading AFB1 was isolated from chicken intestine and soil samples by using a culture medium containing coumarin as the sole carbon source. Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, this isolate (strain S51) was identified as Bacillus licheniformis strain QT338. Further characterization of strain S51 showed that it could degrade AFB1 by 61.3% after incubation at 30°C for 72 h. Additional studies demonstrated that S51 promoted good growth performance of the treated chickens, showed no hemolytic activity, carried few drug resistance genes, and exhibited a certain level of tolerance to acid and bile salts. Furthermore, to verify whether strain S51 exerts a protective effect on AFB1-induced liver injury in chickens and to elucidate the underlying mechanism, a chicken toxicity model was induced with AFB1 (100 μg/kg BW) and treated with S51(1×109CFU/mL) for 12 d. The results showed that S51 decreased the level of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and total bilirubin (P < 0.05); increased glutathione activity and total antioxidant capacityin the liver induced by AFB1, and decreased malondialdehyde production (P < 0.05). S51 also up-regulated the mRNA expression level of the antioxidant proteins HO-1 and Nrf2 and down-regulated the expression of the oxidation-related factor Keap1 in the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway (P <0.05). S51 inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis induced by AFB1 and decreased the mRNA expression levels of the apoptosis-related genes Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, and Cyt-C (P < 0.05). These results indicate that S51 regulates apoptosis and alleviates AFB1-induced oxidative stress in chicken liver by controlling the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway.

Dietary effects of multi-strain probiotics as an alternative to antibiotics on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood profiling and meat quality of broilers

The growing issue of antibiotic resistance, particularly driven by the overuse of antibiotics in poultry farming in developing countries, presents serious public health threats. This situation highlights the urgent need for alternatives that benefit both poultry and human health. Probiotics, as live microorganisms administered in proper amounts, are a promising substitute, enhancing host health without harmful residues. This study evaluated the effects of lyophilized probiotic-based starter feed versus antibiotics on the growth performance, carcass traits, serum metabolites, and meat quality of broiler chicks. As experimental feed additives, ciprofloxacin, often used in the poultry industry of developing nations, and lyophilized multi-strain probiotics (2.8×109 CFU/g) isolated from chicken intestines, included Bacillus tropicus strain MCCC 1A01406, Bacillus tequilensis strain 10b, Staphylococcus gallinarum strain VIII, Lactobacillus salivarius strain HO 66, and Staphylococcus hominis strain DM 122 were utilized. A total of 300 Cobb-500 broiler chicks were divided into four groups, each with three replicates of 25 chicks, in a completely randomized design: (1) control (basal diet), (2) basal diet + 500 mg ciprofloxacin/kg feed (T1), (3) basal diet + 250 mg probiotics/kg feed (T2), and (4) basal diet + 500 mg probiotics/kg feed (T3). Growth performance was measured manually, serum biochemicals via avian diagnostic kits, and meat composition through Kjeldahl (protein) and Soxhlet (lipid) methods. After three weeks, probiotic-fed chicks showed significant increases (P&lt;0.05) in body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio compared to control and antibiotic groups. Serum analysis revealed increased (P&lt;0.05) protein, calcium, and RBC levels and reduced cholesterol and uric acid. Meat from probiotic-fed groups had better (P&lt;0.05) antioxidant properties, higher protein, and fiber, and lower fat, ash, and nitrogen-free extract levels, suggesting probiotics as a sustainable antibiotic alternative for poultry farming and public health improvement.

VirBR, a transcription regulator, promotes IncX3 plasmid transmission, and persistence of blaNDM-5 in zoonotic bacteria

IncX3 plasmids carrying the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-encoding gene, blaNDM-5, are rapidly spreading globally in both humans and animals. Given that carbapenems are listed on the WHO AWaRe watch group and are prohibited for use in animals, the drivers for the successful dissemination of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) carrying blaNDM-5-IncX3 plasmids still remain unknown. We observe that E. coli carrying blaNDM-5-IncX3 can persist in chicken intestines either under the administration of amoxicillin, one of the largest veterinary β-lactams used in livestock, or without any antibiotic pressure. We therefore characterise the blaNDM-5-IncX3 plasmid and identify a transcription regulator, VirBR, that binds to the promoter of the regulator gene actX enhancing the transcription of Type IV secretion systems (T4SS); thereby, promoting conjugation of IncX3 plasmids, increasing pili adhesion capacity and enhancing the colonisation of blaNDM-5-IncX3 transconjugants in animal digestive tracts. Our mechanistic and in-vivo studies identify VirBR as a major factor in the successful spread of blaNDM-5-IncX3 across one-health AMR sectors. Furthermore, VirBR enhances the plasmid conjugation and T4SS expression by the presence of copper and zinc ions, thereby having profound ramifications on the use of universal animal feeds.

Effect of Triticale Grain in Diets on Performance, Development of Gastrointestinal Tract and Microflora in Crop and Ileum of Broiler Chickens.

The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of the use of a diet containing 30% triticale grain. In an experiment lasting 28 days, 180 one-day Ross-308 chickens (sex ratio 1:1) with an average initial body weight in treatment of 44.6 g were randomly assigned to 30 metabolic cages/replications, 6 birds in each. To compare the results between treatments, a one-way ANOVA was used with uneven replication numbers. The control group (I) received a standard diet containing maize and soybean meal. In the other treatments, 30% of different cereals were used: II-wheat, III-barley, and IV-triticale. Significant differences in body weight (BW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed on the 4th day of the life of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). Differences were determined between the control group (90.7 g BW and 1.32 kg of feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR) and birds receiving barley (93.0 g BW and 1.29 kg of feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR), compared to chickens fed diets with a 30% share of wheat grain (86.2 g BW and 1.53 kg feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR) and triticale (86.6 g BW and 1.53 kg feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR). Later, the differences in performance of birds between treatments did not occur (p > 0.05). In the nutrition of broiler chickens, control or 30% of the triticale diet caused a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of the number of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the crop of broiler chickens (0 log cfu/g), compared to birds obtaining feed with 30% of wheat (1.78 log cfu/g). The diet containing triticale also reduced the number of E. coli (p < 0.05) within the ileum (0.78 log cfu/g) compared to chickens obtaining barley grain in the diet (2.12 log cfu/g). As a result of the use of triticale grain (p < 0.05), the total length of the bird intestines (199.64 cm) was compared to 30% of barley grain (209.76 cm). The increase in the length of the large intestine of broiler chickens in treatments was positively correlated (r = 0.613, p < 0.05) with the number of Lactobacillus sp. in the ileum. Triticale increased the pH in the crop of broilers chickens. The research results indicate that triticale, after longer storage, can be used in amounts of 30% of the diet without significant effect on the performance of broiler chickens, with a reduction in E. coli in crop in comparison with wheat and in ileum with barley.

Benefit and potential risk: Effects of in ovo copper oxide nanoparticles supplementation on hatchability traits, organ weightsand histological features of newly hatched chicks.

This investigation was directed to examine the influence of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) on the hatchability traits, and chick quality of newly hatched broiler chicks. A total of 480 eggs were randomly divided into four treatment groups, each consisting of three duplicates. As a negative control (NC), the first group was not injected; the second group was injected with saline and served as a positive control (PC), the third and fourth groups were injected with 30 and 60 ppm of (CuO-NPs)/egg. Eggs were injected into the amniotic fluid on the eighteenth day of the incubation period. Results showed that the hatchability, chick yield %, yolk free-body mass (YFBM), chick length, shank length (SL), and relative weight of the heart, gizzard and intestine of day-old broiler chicks were all unaffected by the in ovo injection of CuO-NPs. The Pasgar Score was slightly improved compared to the NC and PC groups. Also, the in ovo administration of CuO-NPs (60 ppm/egg) significantly increased the intestine length. Both levels of CuO-NPs significantly increased the concentration of Cu ions in the hepatic tissue. Additionally, different levels of tissue damage were seen in the liver of the birds that were given low or high dosages of CuO-NPs. Conclusively, the in ovo injection of CuO-NPs has a good result on the appearance of the chicks (Pasgar score). However, negative effect of CuO-NPs on liver tissue may raise concerns about the potential risks of applying CuO-NPs in ovo administration.