Development Of Digestive Organs Research Articles

Mesenchymal Niches for Digestive Organ Development, Homeostasis, and Disease.

Mesenchymal-epithelial crosstalk plays a crucial role in organ development and stem cell function. However, the identity of the mesenchymal cells involved in this exchange was unclear. Recent significant advances in single-cell transcriptomics have defined the heterogeneity of these mesenchymal niches. By combining multiomic profiling, animal models, and organoid culture, new studies have not only demonstrated the roles of diverse mesenchymal cell populations but also defined the mechanisms underlying their regulation of niche signals. Focusing on several digestive organs, we describe how similar and diverse mesenchymal cell populations promote organ development and maintain proper stem cell activity, and how the heterogeneity of mesenchymal niches is altered in digestive diseases such as inflammation and cancer.

Effects of prepelleting whole corn inclusion on feed particle size, pellet quality, growth performance, carcass yield, and digestive organ development and intestinal microbiome of broilers between 14 and 42 d of age

Summary This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of prepelleting whole corn (WC) inclusion on body weight (BW), feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), processing yield, organ development, and gut microbiome of broilers from 14 to 42 d of age. One thousand male Ross × Ross 708 broilers were randomly distributed among 4 treatments with 10 replicate pens per treatment and 25 broilers per pen (0.12 m2/chick). A common starter was fed from 1 to 14 d of age. At 14 d, 4 experimental treatments containing 0, 3, 6, and 9% WC prepelleting were provided. Feed consumption and BW were determined at 14, 28, and 42 d of age and FCR was calculated including the weights of the mortality. On day 28, 2 birds per pen were selected to evaluate the ileal and cecal microbiota. At 43 d, 10 birds/pen were processed for yield determination. Data were statistically evaluated using ANOVA procedure and means were separated by Tukey HSD test. The inclusion of WC did not influence growth performance from 14 to 42 d of age (P > 0.05), but 9% WC increased the carcass yield (P 0.05). Inclusion of 9% WC reduced the relative proventriculus weight (P

Ontogenetic development of the gastrointestinal tract of African lungfish larvaeProtopterus aethiopicus(Heckel 1851): A light microscopy study

The organogenesis of the digestive system was described in the African lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) from 6 days post-hatching (6 DPH) to 17 days post-hatching (17 DPH) reared at 27 degrees C. To elucidate the position of the gastrointestinal tract in relation to the neural tube, notochord and yolk sac at 6 DPH, and to the vertebral column, lungs and kidneys at 17 DPH, larvae were mapped by means of computer-assisted 3D reconstructions starting from histological serial sections. The larvae showed a simple digestive tract, which appeared as a straight undifferentiated and closed tube at 6 DPH. Microscopical observation showed that yolk reserves were not completely depleted by 17 DPH. During the endogenous feeding period at least up to 17 DPH, the larval digestive system experienced a fast transformation with almost complete development of most digestive organs (pharyngeal teeth, intestinal vestibule, intestine and liver). Our findings suggest that, by 17 DPH, African lungfish larvae are ready to start exogenous feeding.

Effects of first feeding regime on growth performance, survival rate and development of digestive system in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larvae

This study evaluated the effects of first feeding regime on growth performance, survival rate, and development of digestive organs (intestine, liver and pancreas) in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larvae. The fish larvae at 5 days post-hatch (DPH), were initially fed with rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) for 3 days and from 8 to 17 DPH were fed with rotifers/Artemia for different time periods as follows: (A) only rotifers; (B) 8–13 DPH rotifers/14–17 DPH Artemia; (C) 8–10 DPH rotifers/ 11–17 DPH Artemia; (D) only Artemia; (E) a combination of rotifers and Artemia. Growth performance, survival rate and histological features of intestine, liver and pancreas were assessed at 11, 14 and 17 DPH to examine the effects of feeding regime. The groups fed rotifers for initial 3 days followed by feeding on Artemia (group D) (53 ± 5.43%) and combination of rotifers and Artemia (group E) (68 ± 5.51%), respectively, for the following 9 days showed significantly (P < .05) higher survival rates than the other groups (36–50%). The group fed merely on rotifers (groups A) exhibited significantly lower specific growth rate (SGR) than the other groups, and the highest SGR was found in the group fed with combination of rotifers and Artemia after 3 day rotifer feeding. Moreover, the highest total length (8.57 ± 0.57 mm), myotome height (0.75 ± 0.09 mm) and eye diameter (0.58 ± 0.05 mm) were obtained by combined feeding of rotifers and Artemia after 3 day of initial rotifer feeding. Significant differences among groups were found in morphometric parameters in the anterior intestine and liver. The results of histological examination of the liver, intestine and pancreas did not show any obvious pathological changes in all groups. In conclusion, feeding with rotifers from 5 to 8 DPH and afterwards with Artemia could be suggested as an economical feeding regime for first feeding of pikeperch larvae as comparable survival and growth to co-feeding with rotifers and Artemia were achieved.

Взаимосвязь между развитием внутренних органов у молодняка овец и биохимическими показателями сыворотки крови

Abstract. The feeding factor is an important condition in ensuring the normal life of the sheep. Any external abnormalities cause metabolic stress, the parameters of the biochemical profile change, and the analysis of the development of internal organs in sheep in the post-embryonic period is of great scientific interest, since the absolute mass of organs increases during ontogenesis. Any external abnormalities cause metabolic stress. The parameters of the blood's biochemical profile change. Analysis of the development of internal organs in sheep in the post-embryonic period is of great scientific interest. This is because the mass of organs increases during ontogenesis. Purpose of research. To study the results of the influence of biochemical parameters of blood serum in young sheep on the formation of internal organs against the background of liposomal form of antioxidants with the inclusion of iodine. The research methods. The control group of young animal (rams) received the basic diet (BD). The experimental group received the BD with the addition of antioxidants in liposomal form with organic iodine content at the rate of 5 grams per head. The biochemical parameters of blood serum, the development of internal organs of young sheep and the correlation relationship of the obtained indicators were determined. Results research. Liver and pancreatic enzymes have a significant advantage in animals of the experimental group by 11.5–25.1 % (p ≤ 0.01). The significant advantages for renal enzymes were observed in experimental animals by 10.7 % (p ≤ 0.05) was stated. The total thyroxine content in young animals of the experimental group increases by 5.3 % (p ≤ 0.05). Organs of the gastrointestinal tract were characterized by increased weight. The relationship between the development of internal organs and serum enzymes were enhanced between hepatic and renal enzymes in connection with the development of digestive organs in young animals of experimental groups. The novelty. The liposomal form of antioxidants allows selective delivery of vital compounds to tissues in optimal concentrations. The effectiveness of its use in sheep farming has not been studied, and in connection with the prospect of increasing the production of lamb in the Republic of Crimea, the issue of obtaining environmentally friendly products with minimal use of veterinary drugs and chemical-based feed additives becomes urgent. Thus, the use of antioxidants in liposomal form is a significant step towards achieving this mission.

Potential roles of the mesentery in Crohn's disease

The mesentery is the organ that supports development of all abdominal digestive organs in the foetus, and which supports and maintains all abdominal digestive organs in systemic continuity in the adult. Mesenteric abnormalities such as creeping fat are pathognomic of Crohn's disease and point to a pathobiological role for the mesentery. As part of the standard operative approach to resection, the mesentery is normally retained. Recent observations suggest that if the mesentery is included in the resections for ileocolic Crohn's disease, postoperative requirements for re-operation may be reduced. This is supported by emerging observations related to excision of the mesorectum during proctectomy for Crohn's disease, and by observations on the Kono-S procedure. As part of the latter, the mesentery is retained but is circumferentially excluded from the intestinal anastomosis. Mesenteric resection may also provide a more oncologically sound approach, in patients who also harbour a malignancy. Concerns regarding mesenteric resection relate to the possibility of mesenteric haemorrhage, and the lack of surgical planes in a hostile operative setting. Reliable haemostatic techniques have emerged that enable safe mesenteric division. Emerging data that support a staged approach to mesenteric resection, in complex operative settings. Increasing studies characterise the cellular and molecular basis of the net pathogenic effects of the mesentery. These could provide pharmacotherapeutic opportunities for the future avoidance of surgery. This article discusses the position of the mesentery in the pathobiology of Crohn's disease, and surgical strategies that alter mesenteric inputs.

Zebrafish miR-462-731 is required for digestive organ development

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as important regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression, play important roles in the occurrence and function of organs. In this study, morpholino (MO) knockdown of miR-462/miR-731 was used to investigate the potential mechanisms of the miR-462-731 cluster during zebrafish liver development. The results showed significant reduction of digestive organs, especially liver and exocrine pancreas after the miR-462/miR-731 knockdown, and those phenotypes could be partially rescued by corresponding miRNA duplex. Acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas were also severely affected with pancreatic insufficiency. In particular, knockdown of miR-462 caused pancreas morphogenesis abnormity with specific bilateral exocrine pancreas. Additionally, it was found that miR-731 played a role in liver and exocrine pancreas development by directly targeting dkk3b, instead of the down-regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These findings contribute significantly to our understanding of molecular mechanisms of miR-462-731 cluster in development of digestive organs.

Sodium butyrate enhances growth performance and intestinal development in broilers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) on growth performance and development of digestive and immune organs in broilers. Dietary treatments had similar compositions but with 0%, 0.03%, 0.06%, and 0.12% SB substituted (weight/weight) for identical amounts of the basal diet. SB supplementation linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain for each period, except for days 15–21. SB supplementation linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the relative weight of proventriculus (day 7), gizzard (days 7 and 14), duodenum (days 21 and 28), jejunum (day 21), ileum (day 21), small intestine (day 21), rectum (day 14), pancreas (days 7 and 21), liver (days 21 and 28), and thymus (days 7, 14, and 21). SB supplementation linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the relative length of duodenum (day 21), jejunum (days 14 and 21), ileum (days 14 and 21) and small intestine (days 14 and 21), caeca (day 21) and rectum (day 21), as well as it improved intestinal structure by increasing the villus height in jejunum and ileum, and increasing goblet cell counts in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Collectively, dietary SB supplementation improved the growth performance of broilers by improving the development and morphological structure of the broilers’ intestinal organs.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis and antibiotic growth promoters on the growth performance, intestinal function and gut microbiota of pullets from 0 to 6 weeks

The development of digestive organs and the establishment of gut microbiota in pullets play an important role throughout life. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Bacillus subtilis (BS) on growth performance, intestinal function and gut microbiota in pullets from 0 to 6 weeks of age. Hy-line Brown laying hens (1-day-old, n = 504) were randomly allotted into four diets with a 2 × 2 factorial design: (1) basal diet group (control); (2) antibiotics group (AGP), the basal diet supplemented with 20 mg/kg Bacitracin Zinc and 4 mg/kg Colistin Sulphate; (3) BS group, the basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg BS and (4) mixed group, the basal diet supplemented with both AGP and BS. As a result, when BS was considered the main effect, BS addition (1) reduced the feed conversion ratio at 4 to 6 weeks (P < 0.05); (2) decreased duodenal and jejunal crypt depth at 3 weeks; (3) increased the villus height : crypt depth (V : C) ratio in the duodenum at 3 weeks and jejunal villus height at 6 weeks and (4) increased sucrase mRNA expression in the duodenum at 3 weeks as well as the jejunum at 6 weeks, and jejunal maltase and aminopeptidase expression at 3 weeks. When AGP was considered the main effect, AGP supplementation (1) increased the V : C ratio in the ileum at 3 weeks of age; (2) increased sucrase mRNA expression in the duodenum at 3 weeks as well as the ileum at 6 weeks, and increased maltase expression in the ileum. The BS × AGP interaction was observed to affect average daily feed intake at 4 to 6 weeks, and duodenal sucrase and jejunal maltase expression at 3 weeks. Furthermore, dietary BS or AGP addition improved caecal microbial diversity at 3 weeks, and a BS × AGP interaction was observed (P < 0.05) for the Shannon and Simpson indexes. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was found to be higher in the mixed group at 3 weeks and in the BS group at 6 weeks. Moreover, Anaerostipes, Dehalobacterium and Oscillospira were also found to be dominant genera in pullets with dietary BS addition. In conclusion, BS could improve intestinal morphology and change digestive enzyme relative expression and caecum microbiota, thereby increasing the efficiency of nutrient utilization. Our findings suggested that BS might have more beneficial effects than AGP in the study, which would provide theoretical evidence and new insight into BS application in layer pullets.

RAPTOR promotes colorectal cancer proliferation by inducing mTORC1 and upregulating ribosome assembly factor URB1.

Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is evolutionally conserved and frequently activated in various tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). It has been reported that the ribosome assembly factor Urb1 acts downstream of mTORC1/raptor signaling and contributes to digestive organ development in zebrafish. Previously, we highlighted that URB1 was overexpressed in CRC. Here, we assessed the mTORC1/regulatory associated protein with mTOR (RAPTOR)‐URB1 axis in CRC tumorigenesis. We found that RAPTOR was overexpressed in CRC tissues and cell lines, was a favorable predictor in patients with CRC, and positively correlated with URB1. Silencing of RAPTOR suppressed CRC cell proliferation and migration and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro and inhibited xenograft growth in vivo. Moreover, ectopic overexpression of RAPTOR exerted an inverse biological phenotype. Knockdown of RAPTOR quenched mTORC1 activity and reduced the expression of URB1 and cyclinA2 (CCNA2). In contrast, overexpression of RAPTOR activated mTORC1 and upregulated URB1 and CCNA2. Furthermore, URB1 and CCNA2 expression were also impeded by rapamycin, which is a specific inhibitor of mTORC1. Thus, RAPTOR promoted CRC proliferation, migration, and cell cycle progression by inducing mTORC1 signaling and transcriptional activation of both URB1 and CCNA2. Taken together, we concluded that RAPTOR has the potential to serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC.

Deletion of narfl leads to increased oxidative stress mediated abnormal angiogenesis and digestive organ defects in zebrafish

Nuclear prelamin A recognition factor-like (NARFL) is a human protein that participates in cytosolic iron-sulfur (Fe–S) protein biogenesis and cellular defense against oxidative stress. Previous studies of Narfl knockout mice did not reveal well the regulatory mechanisms of embryonic development mediated by Narfl because the homozygous mice die in utero. Here, we investigated the function of narfl in an established zebrafish knockout model by taking advantage of zebrafish external fertilization and ease of embryonic development examination. Our experiments showed that narfl deletion resulted in larvae lethality, subintestinal vessel (SIV) malformation and digestive organ defects in the early stages of embryonic development. Biochemical analyses and western blot revealed increased oxidative stress and upregulated hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in narfl−/− fish. The use of HIF-1α inhibitor 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) for the treatment of mutants partially rescued the SIV sprouting. These results suggest that narfl deletion causes increased oxidative stress and subintestinal vessel malformation, which further influence the development of digestive organs and might contribute to the lethality of the narfl knockout fish.

Development and growth of digestive system organs of European and Japanese quail at 14 days post-hatch

The objective of this study was to evaluate the development and growth of the digestive system organs, from the 11th day of incubation until the 14 d post-hatch in European and Japanese quail. On days 11, 13 and 15 of incubation at hatch and at 4, 7, 10 and 14 d post-hatch, embryos or chicks of European and Japanese quail were analyzed. After 15 d of incubation, samples from stomach and small intestine were analyzed by microscopy. European quail had significantly heavier body weight at 15 d of incubation and after 4 d post-hatch. The digestive system weight progressively increased with age and was similar between European and Japanese quail at 11, 13, and 15 d of incubation and 10 d post-hatch, while relative weight of digestive system was similar between quail type with great values at 4 d post-hatch. For relative weight of the small intestine + pancreas, the weight of the proventriculus and of the gastric ventricle increased significant by among ages analyzed in both types of quail. At hatch, proventriculus had functional secretory cells and mucosa of gastric ventricle had a thin coilin membrane. In small intestine segments, at 15 d of incubation the height of the villi was similar among duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (80μm). Villi had elongated shape towards the intestinal lumen, covered by enterocytes and dispersed goblet cells with PAS+ and AB+ contend in all segments. The number of goblet cell/villi increased in segments until 7 to 10 d post-hatch. Duodenum increases the villi up to 14 d, while the jejunum and ileum up to 10 and 4 d, respectively. Based on our data in digestive system growth, a shorter period of post-hatch fast and specific diets to quail during first days of growth is recommended to both quail types. It is concluded that the development and growth of different organs of the digestive system up to 14 d of age was similar between European and Japanese quail.

The Effect of Fermentation Bran and Chitosan in Ration to Percentage of Tegal Duck Digestive Tract Weight

Duck productivity is largely determined by the optimization of bodily functions. The food consumed greatly determines the development of digestive organs and internal organs of livestock. Digestive organs that are well developed and function optimally will be very decisive in turning feed into meat and eggs. Chitosan is a crustacean waste product known as animal fiber and is antimicrobial. Whereas fermented bran contains natural fiber rich in nutrients and is hypocholesterol. The aim of the study was to look at the role of chitosan and bran fermented on the weight percentage of digestive organs of ducks. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 5 replications. Each test consists of 2 ducks as a unit of experiment. The treatment is R0 = 45% corn + 35% concentrate + 20% bran without fermentation, R1 = 45% corn + 35% concentrate + 20% fermented bran, R2 = 45% corn + 35% concentrate + 19.5% fermented bran + 0.5% chitosan and R3 = 45% corn + 35% concentrate + 17.5% fermented + 2.5% chitosan bran. The variable measured is the weight percentage of the digestive organs (gizzard, small intestine and pancreas) in ducks. Data was processed using SAS Windows 16. The results showed that the administration of fermented chitosan and bran gave an average percentage of gizzard weight (ventriculus) and pancreatic weight percentage was not significantly different between treatments (P> 0.05), while treatment R1 (20% fermented bran) It was shown that the percentage of small intestine weight was higher (31.85%) than control R0.

Chronic Heat Stress Damages Small Intestinal Epithelium Cells Associated with the Adenosine 5'-Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway in Broilers.

Heat-stressed broilers usually reduce their feed intake, leading to energy imbalance and disturbing the homeostasis in the small intestine. This study was aimed to explore heat-stress-mediated physiological features that may be ascribed to impairments in the intestinal tract of broilers. The results revealed that heat exposure increased the activities of trypsin and Na+/K+-ATPase, while it decreased the activities of amylase, lipase, and maltase as well as the proliferating cell nuclear antigen cells in the jejunum after 14 days of heat exposure. Meanwhile, heat stress upregulated the mRNA expressions of AMPKα1, LKB1, and HIF-1α and protein expressions of p-AMPKαThr172 and p-LKB1Thr189 in the small intestine after 7 or 14 days of heat exposure. In conclusion, chronic heat exposure impeded the development of digestive organs, disordered the activities of intestinal digestive enzymes, and impaired the intestinal epithelial cells by increasing the cell apoptosis and declining cell proliferation, which might be correlated with the adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Additionally, heat stress upregulated the gene expression of HIF-1α, which indicated that heat stress may disturb the homeostasis in the intestine.

Effects of two rearing systems on the development of digestive organs and slaughter performance of Lushi Green layer birds

Effects of two rearing systems on the development of digestive organs and slaughter performance of Lushi Green layer birds

Effects of arginine on the growth performance, hormones, digestive organ development and intestinal morphology in the early growth stage of layer chickens

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of arginine on the growth performance, hormones, digestive organ development and intestinal morphology of chicks of laying hens. A total of three hundred 1-d-old male Lohmann Brown chicks were randomly assigned to five groups, each with six replicate sets of 10 birds. The five groups were fed different diets containing 1.19, 1.44, 1.69, 1.94 or 2.19% arginine from 1 d to 42 d of age. The results showed that dietary levels of arginine had a significant effect on body weight at 14, 28 and 42 d (p < .05). The insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentration in serum was significantly increased with increasing levels of dietary arginine (p < .05). With the increase in dietary arginine, chicks had a higher relative liver weight (p < .05). Levels of 1.94 and 2.19% dietary arginine had a more positive effect on the length (p < .05) and relative weight of the small intestine (p < .05), respectively. The morphology of the duodenal mucosa and the villus height of the ileum in chicks were significantly affected by the dietary arginine levels (p < .05). This study suggested that 1.44% dietary arginine provided the maximum body weight of layer chickens during their early development by increasing the villus height in both the duodenum and ileum, whereas 2.19% dietary arginine inhibited the growth of the chicks via a shorter villus height in the intestinal mucosa and excessive serum IGF-I.

Development of digestive organs of female broilers under varying post-hatch fasting times

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of post-hatch fasting time on the weights of body and digestive organs of chicks. Fertile eggs from 62-week-old broiler breeders (Cobb Fast lineage) were incubated and, after hatching, female chicks were randomly divided into six treatments, which corresponded to fasting periods (0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours), with 40 chicks per treatment. At 01, 03, 06, and 10 days after hatching, measurements of body weight; residual yolk weight; relative weights of proventriculus + gizzard, intestine + pancreas and liver; and intestine total length were made. At 6 days of age, the chicks submitted to post-hatch fasting, for up to 12 hours, demonstrated greater development, with body weights higher than the other birds. Yet, when fed, no compensatory gain was observed and, at 10 days of age, the birds submitted to 48- and 72-h fasting remained with a lower body development. Intestine growth was also compromised by post-hatch fasting, being reduced in both weight and length. A post-hatching fasting of up to 24 hours did not interfere with the weights of body and digestive organs of 10-day-old female broiler chickens. However, 48- and 72-h post-hatch fastings affected adversely the weight and growth of digestive organs in the birds.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Graded Levels Of Chromium Picolinate on the Production Performance, Immune Competence Traits, Development of Digestive Organs and Carcass Quality Traits of Coloured Chicken

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Graded Levels Of Chromium Picolinate on the Production Performance, Immune Competence Traits, Development of Digestive Organs and Carcass Quality Traits of Coloured Chicken

Ribosome biogenesis protein Urb1 acts downstream of mTOR complex 1 to modulate digestive organ development in zebrafish

Ribosome biogenesis is essential for the cell growth and division. Disruptions in ribosome biogenesis result in developmental defects and a group of diseases, known as ribosomopathies. Here, we report a mutation in zebrafish urb1, which encodes an essential ribosome biogenesis protein. The urb1cq31 mutant exhibits hypoplastic digestive organs, which is caused by impaired cell proliferation with the differentiation of digestive organ progenitors unaffected. Knockdown of mtor or raptor leads to similar hypoplastic phenotypes and reduced expression of urb1 in the digestive organs. Overexpression of Urb1 results in overgrowth of digestive organs, and can efficiently rescue the hypoplastic liver and pancreas in the mtor and raptor morphants. Reduced syntheses of free ribosomal subunits and impaired assembly of polysomes are observed in the urb1 mutant as well as in the mtor and raptor morphants, which can be rescued by the Urb1 overexpression. These data demonstrate that Urb1 plays an important role in governing ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis downstream of mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), thus regulating the development of digestive organs. Our study indicates the requirement of hyperactive protein synthesis for the digestive organ development.

Effects of in ovo feeding of L-arginine on the development of digestive organs, intestinal function and post-hatch performance of broiler embryos and hatchlings.

This study was to investigate the effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) L-arginine (Arg) solution on the development of digestive organs, the duodenal mucosa of broiler embryos and hatchlings, and the growth performance of chicks during the first week post-hatch. A total of 720 fertilized eggs with similar weight were randomly allocated to three groups, consisting of eight replicates of 30 eggs each. Three treatments were arranged as non-injected control, diluent-injected (0.75% NaCl solution) group and Arg solution-injected group containing 1% Arg, dissolved in diluent. At 17.5days of incubation, 0.6ml of IOF solution was injected into amniotic fluid of each egg of injected groups. Results showed IOF of Arg solution increased (p<.05) the chick embryo weight at 19days of incubation; the body weight gain of post-hatch broilers during 1-7days; the weights of liver, pancreas, proventriculus and gizzard; the concentrations of duodenal ghrelin, vasoactive intestinal peptide and glucagon-like peptide 2; and the duodenum mucosal enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase, maltase, sucrase and inducible nitric oxide synthase of 7-day-old post-hatch broilers compared with other groups. The IOF of Arg solution also increased (p<.05) the villus height (VH) and the ratio of VH to crypt depth (CD) and decreased (p<.05) the CD in duodenum of broiler embryos and post-hatch hatchlings, except for the CD at 19days of incubation. In conclusion, IOF of 1% Arg solution into the amnion at 17.5days of incubation could improve the development of digestive organs, the duodenal morphology, the releasing of gastrointestinal hormones and mucosal enzyme activities of broiler embryos and hatchlings and finally the growth performance of chicks during the first week post-hatch. Therefore, IOF of appropriate Arg solution could be an effective technology for regulating early nutrition supply and subsequent growth development in poultry industry.