Feed Conversion Research Articles

Optimizing Flammulina velutipes residue use: impact on health metrics and performance in three-yellow chickens

IntroductionThis study investigated the effects of Flammulina velutipes residue (FVR) on performance, antioxidant function, immunity, and intestinal flora of broilers.MethodsA total of 192 one-day-old three-yellow chickens were divided into four groups of 48 chickens per group, 6 replicates per group and 8 chickens per replicate. The control group (CON) was fed a basal diet, while the remaining three groups were supplemented with FVR in the basal diet, adding 2%, 4% and 6% of the basal diet, respectively. The experiment lasted for 48 days. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein on days 28 and 48 to determine serum biochemical indices. Caecum contents were collected on day 48 to assess flora diversity.Results and discussionNo significant differences were observed in dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), or feed conversion ratio (FCR) between the 2% and 4% group and the CON. However, the 6% FRV group showed significantly reduced DMI and FCR. The FVR groups exhibited significantly increased levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPC-PX) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), along with significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Additionally, serum interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels decreased, while immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels significantly increased in the FVR groups. The caecal flora diversity test revealed that FVR altered the flora structure, with increased proportions of Bacteroides, Ruminococcus and Faecalibacterium in the 6% FVR groups. In conclusion, FVR can significantly enhance the antioxidant capacity and immunity of broilers and enrich the structure of intestinal flora. The impact on growth performance is limited and dosage-dependent. Further research is needed to optimize its use in poultry diets.

Exploring the potential benefits of areca nut extract in animal production: a review

Globally, the issue of antibiotic residues in agricultural products and their environments is increasingly critical, with the spread of microbial resistance becoming an urgent international challenge. Therefore, the development of ecological health feed additives is of paramount importance for advancing sustainable animal husbandry. Areca nut extract, derived from commonly available food sources, has garnered attention due to its exceptional bioactive properties. Its remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential, along with its outstanding performance in antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities, plays a crucial role in inhibiting various pathogens and protecting cells from oxidative damage. This review aims to comprehensively explore the biological activities of areca nut extract and delve into its practical application potential in enhancing animal production efficiency and promoting sustainable livestock development.The pervasive presence of antibiotic residues—including tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and quinolones—in agricultural products such as meat, milk, and eggs has raised significant concerns due to their extensive use in animal husbandry. This issue is not only a formidable challenge for food safety but also exacerbates the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To address these challenges, there is an urgent need for safe and sustainable alternatives to antibiotics in animal production. Among these alternatives, plant extracts have garnered considerable attention for their natural bioactive properties. Notably, areca nut extract has emerged as a promising candidate due to its diverse biological activities and potential applications in livestock production.Areca nut, derived from the dried ripe fruits, seeds, peels, and flowers of Areca catechu, is well-documented in traditional medicine sources such as the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (2010 Edition) for its medicinal properties, including antiparasitic effects, digestive support, and antimicrobial activity. This review focuses on the biological activities of areca nut extract, particularly its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antibacterial, and microbiota-modulating effects, which collectively contribute to its potential role as a feed additive for enhancing animal health and performance.Key findings indicate that areca nut extract can promote livestock productivity by accelerating growth, enhancing immune responses, and reducing disease incidence. Additionally, its biological properties show potential for improving feed efficiency and mitigating the environmental footprint of livestock operations. By exploring these activities, we aim to provide theoretical insights and practical guidance for the application of areca nut extract in animal husbandry.This review highlights the promise of areca nut extract as a natural, effective, and sustainable alternative to antibiotics, offering solutions to the pressing issues of antibiotic residues and AMR. Its potential contributions to sustainable livestock production underscore the importance of further scientific exploration and interdisciplinary collaboration in this field.

Effect of Stocking Density on Feed Efficiency of Caged Broilers under Hot Climatic Conditions

The present study investigates the effect of stocking density on feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in caged broilers under hot climatic conditions. A total 72 day-old broiler chicks, were randomly distributed in three groups as treatments of stocking density which, were further subdivided into eight sub-group to serve as replicates. The broiler chicks in different treatments of the stocking density at 1 sq. ft. per chick, 1.33 sq. ft. per chick and 2 sq. ft. per chick were evaluated. The results revealed that stocking density did not have any significant impact on the feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, a trend showed that broilers at moderate stocking density (1.33 sq. ft. per chick) supported the better feed utilization. These findings are in agreement with several studies which reported non-significant impact of stocking density on feed intake and FCR. While higher stocking densities may raise issues related to heat stress during summer season, the present experiment suggests that with proper heat stress and pre-summer management practices, good performance may be obtained, across different stocking densities. Effective management practices are essential for enhancing the feed efficiency and bird welfare in hot climates. This experiment highlights the importance of balancing stocking density and environmental conditions to achieve sustainable broiler production.

Dietary African Yam Bean Meal (Sphenostylis sternocarpa) as a Complementary Substitute for Soybean Meal in African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fingerlings: Effect on Intestinal Histology and Zootechnical Performance

Background: The effects of soybean meal replacement with African yam bean meal on the intestinal histology and zootechnical performance of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus fingerlings was assessed in this study. One hundred and eighty C. gariepinus fingerlings weighing 13.62±0.12g were randomly distributed into plastic tanks at ten fish per tank in triplicate and fed six rations (treatments) representing graded replacement levels of soybean with African yam bean for 70 days. Soybean meal was replaced with African yam bean (AYB) at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% denoted as the control T1 (0%), T2 (20%), T3 (40%), T4 (60%), T5 (80%) and T6 (100%) respectively. Weekly weighing of fish was done and data collected was subjected to statistical analysis. Zootechnical performance was based on growth performance and nutrient utilization efficiency. Results: After the feeding trials, tissue samples from the intestines were removed by dissection for histological study. Tissue sections were compared after examination under the microscope for differences in the morphology of the tissues. The histology of the intestine of fish fed African yam bean meal included diets showed apparently normal intestinal villi and enterocytes in T2, T3 and T4. Histology of the intestine of C. gariepinus in T6 had disorganized enterocytes which induced enteritis in the fish. The result on growth performance and nutrient utilisation showed that body weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio were significantly different from each other (P< 0.05). The best feed conversion ratio was recorded in the control. Conclusions: This study showed that African yam bean can replace soybean up to 60% in the diet of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus for required growth without any negative effect on the gut histology of the fish.

A low-protein soybean-free diet improves carcass traits and meat quality and modulates the colonic microbiota in Daweizi pigs

IntroductionSoybean meal is an excellent protein source and is widely used in pig feed. However, the Americas account for more than 80% of global soybean production, so European and Asia swine production largely depends on soybean imports. The use of safe and functional unconventional feed sources can effectively alleviate worldwide protein shortage problems.MethodsHere, we formulated a low-protein soybean-free diet (LPNS) for growing and fattening pigs using rice, potatoes, tea, and other unconventional feed sources. Thirty-six healthy Daweizi pigs (average body weight 23.60 ± 1.34 kg) were raised under the same conditions and randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: (1) Con group, corn-soybean base meal; (2) LPNS group. When the average weight of pigs in the group reached 85 kg, two pigs per pen were randomly selected and euthanized for collection of the colonic digesta and carcass traits and for meat quality determination.ResultsCompared with the corn-soybean based diet, the LPNS diet decreased the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of Daweizi pigs but had a lower cost per kilogram of gain. In addition, the LPNS diet significantly increased leanness and decreased the fat-skin rate and bone rate of Daweizi pigs. The cooking loss of meat decreased, and unsaturated fatty acids such as C22:6 and n−3 PUFA significantly increased in the LPNS group. Moreover, the purine content in the meat substantially decreased with the LPNS diet. The 16S rDNA analysis revealed that the LPNS diet greatly modified the composition of the colonic microbiota community, with a decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and an increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus spp.DiscussionThe use of functional herbs along with a low-protein diet helped to regulate fat and purine metabolism in fatty-type pigs. The LPNS diet formulated with unconventional-feed sources not only helps reduce the feed cost in swine production but also improves the carcass traits and meat quality of pigs, which is more suitable for small-scale pig farming.

Effects of nano-selenium and/or vitamin E supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, histopathology and resistance to Aspergillus flavus in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and/or vitamin E (VE) on the growth, body composition, metabolic parameters, histopathology, and resistance of Nile tilapia to Aspergillus flavus. Results Monosex Nile tilapia fingerlings were sourced from the Bazina farm and hatchery in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, where the experiment was also conducted. The fish were acclimatized for 15 days before the trial. A total of 240 fingerlings (average weight 46 ± 3.0 g/fish) were divided equally across 12 concrete tanks (1 × 1 × 1.2 m, 1 m³ capacity), with 20 fish per tank. The fish were fed a control diet (T0), which was a basal diet with no supplementation, or one of three experimental diets for 60 days: T1 (1 mg SeNPs/kg), T2 (100 mg VE/kg), and T3 (1 mg SeNPs + 100 mg VE/kg). The experiment followed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates per treatment. The combination of SeNPs and VE (T3) resulted in the best feed conversion ratio. A slight but significant increase (P < 0.05) in whole-body composition was observed in all treatment groups compared to the control. Biochemical parameters, serum digestive enzyme activity, and antioxidant levels improved significantly with dietary supplementation. Histopathological analysis revealed somewhat lacerated gill arches in fish fed SeNPs, VE, or their combination, but the overall gill structure remained normal. The SeNPs + VE group exhibited improved villi length and normal morphology of portal veins and hepatic sinusoids, though some vacuolated hepatocytes were noted. Fish in the SeNPs + VE group had the lowest mortality rates and the highest resistance to A. flavus. Conclusion Supplementing diets with SeNPs and/or VE enhances growth, body composition, biochemical parameters, and histopathology in Nile tilapia. The combination of 1 mg SeNPs + 100 mg VE/kg improves immune response and growth, offering a promising strategy to enhance Tilapia health and productivity.

Effects of supplementing a polyphenol-rich sugarcane extract through drinking water on egg production and quality of laying hens.

Polyphenols are a wide group of naturally occurring compounds found in plants and have the potential to safeguard living cells. The objective was to evaluate whether the inclusion of a polyphenol-rich sugarcane extract (PRSE) in drinking water could improve egg production and the quality of commercial layers. A total of 120 Shaver Brown hens, aged 43 weeks, were randomly allocated to 12 litter-floor pens in two open-sided poultry houses. The pens were divided into two treatment groups: one receiving 0% (control) and the other 0.05% PRSE in drinking water throughout the study duration. The treatments were prepared by adding PRSE manually into the drinking water daily, and water was given ad libitum. The birds were given commercial layer feed throughout the study. The number of eggs produced, abnormal eggs, and mortality were recorded daily. Egg weight, yolk colour, yolk height, albumen height, Haugh units, and antioxidant properties, were measured at weeks 45, 47 and 49. Supplementing PRSE in the drinking water did not impact hen-day egg production, hen-housed egg production, egg weight, egg mass, or feed conversion ratio. However, there was a trend toward significance in egg weight at week 45. The results indicated that PRSE supplementation led to a significant reduction in yolk colour during week 45 (P = 0.001), although no differences were observed in subsequent weeks. Yolk height, thick albumen height, and haugh units were unaffected by the treatment, while thin albumen height showed a trend towards reduction in the PRSE group at weeks 47 and 49 (P = 0.05). The DPPH assay revealed a significant increase in antioxidant capacity in the PRSE group at week 45 (P = 0.02). The 0.05% PRSE supplementation in drinking water initially enhanced antioxidant capacity but later adversely affected yolk color and thin albumen height.

Potential role of dietary white poplar (Populus alba L.) in stimulating growth, digestion, and antioxidant/immune status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The potential use of feed supplements as immune-stimulant and growth-promoting agents in fish diets has drawn much attention. The current research investigated the effects of feeding Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) on white poplar (Populus alba L.) (WP) leaves powder as a dietary supplement on the growth, digestive functions, immune, and oxidant-antioxidant parameters. In addition, the fish resistance against the Aeromonas sobria (A. sobria) challenge was investigated. For 60 days, fish (n = 160; 34.61 ± 0.16 g) were divided equally into four groups, each had four replicates. Fish were fed on four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets supplemented with varying levels of WP; 0 g/kg (WP0, crude protein (CP) = 37.18%; crude lipid (CL) = 9.98%), 2 g/kg (WP2, CP = 37.22%; CL = 9.56%), 4 g/kg (WP4, CP = 36.95%; CL = 9.47%), and 6 g/kg (WP6, CP = 36.88%; CL = 9.33%), where WP0 was the control diet. The results revealed that WP diets substantially boosted the growth (final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate) with an improvement of feed conversion ratio of Nile tilapia in a level-dependent manner with the WP6 group attaining the best outcomes. WP diets improved the amylase (4–6 g/kg level) and lipase (2–6 g/kg level) activity and the intestinal morphometric measures (2–6 g/kg level), where the WP6 group recorded the highest values. WP diets increased the growth hormone (2–6 g/kg level) and reduced leptin hormone and glucose levels (2–6 g/kg level). WP diets boosted the immune-antioxidant indices (total protein, albumin, globulin, complement 3, lysozyme, nitric oxide, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) in a level-dependent manner and the WP6 group attained the highest values. All experimental groups exhibited 100% survival at the end of the feeding trial. During the A. sobria challenge, the survival of fish was improved in a level-dependent manner (2–6 g/kg) (80%, 85%, 95%, respectively) compared to the control (70%), where the WP6 group recorded the highest survival. Noteworthy, WP diets especially at a level of 6 g/kg can be used as a feed supplement for improving the health, growth, immune-antioxidant functions, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia.

Potential Development of Anti-Heat Stress Broiler Feed Using Dried Rice Waste: A Review

Objective: The objective of this review is to explore the potential development of anti-heat stress broiler feed using dried rice, with the aim of mitigating the adverse effects of heat stress on broiler performance and welfare while improving feed efficiency. Theoretical Framework: This study is grounded in the concepts of poultry nutrition, focusing on Metabolizable Energy (ME) reduction and the inclusion of resistant starch from dried rice. These approaches align with strategies for heat stress management in livestock during extreme weather conditions. Method: This review synthesizes findings from various studies on the use of dried rice as a functional feed ingredient. The approach involves formulating broiler feed with reduced ME by lowering caloric content and incorporating high resistant starch to optimize nutrient absorption and minimize body heat production during heat stress Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that feed formulations with low-calorie and high-resistant starch content effectively reduce heat stress in broilers. These formulations improve productivity, support optimal nutrient absorption, and enhance overall welfare. The discussion highlights the practical application of these formulations and their cost-effectiveness, addressing heat stress challenges in broiler farming. Research Implications: This review provides insights for feed formulation strategies to combat heat stress in poultry, with implications for improving animal welfare, reducing production losses, and promoting sustainable livestock practices. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the innovative use of dried rice, an organic waste product, as a sustainable and functional feed ingredient for broilers under heat stress conditions.

Effect of different colors and intensity of light emitting diode on the production performance, egg quality, hormonal profile and the economics of layers kept in environment control house.

This study examined the effect of LED light colors and intensities on production performance and economic feasibility of 720 Babcock® White layers. The layer birds were reared for 13weeks from 17 to 30weeks of age during the layer production cycle.Light treatments of 6 different colors, i.e., cool white (control group), red, blue, green, yellow, and warm white light with 3 different levels of light intensities (15, 20 and 25lx), were provided. Weekly growth parameters, egg production, egg quality characters and economics were evaluated. Hormonal profile (FSH, LH, GnRH, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol) and antibody titers against Newcastle Disease (ND) and Infectious Bronchitis (IB) were also evaluated. The graphical presentation was done by Origin Pro 2024. The results showed that red light increased feed intake (p < 0.05) but led to lower body weights and inefficient feed conversion ratios (FCR), whereas birds under warm white light at 25lx gained higher weight (p < 0.05), had better FCR (1.89 in the 30th week), laid more eggs (97.34% by the 30th week), with improved egg quality (p < 0.05). Mortality rates and hormonal levels also varied notably with light conditions, with warm white light showing the lowest mortality (p < 0.05) and optimal hormonal balances conducive to productivity. Birds kept under yellow and warm white light having 15lx intensity may be applied during (17-30) weeks of age to reduce the cost of production for better profitability in commercial layer farming in Pakistan.

Comparative evaluation of Acheta domesticus and Hermetia illucens as alternative protein sources for the growth, health, and meat quality of the broiler

IntroductionInsects are receiving increasing attention due to their potential to enhance farming efficiency and sustainability, mitigate vast quantities of bio-waste, and improve animal performance. It is hypothesized that replacing soybean meal with Acheta domesticus will improve broiler productive performance, health, and meat quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of the gradual replacement of soybean meal (4%, 8%, and 12%) with house cricket (A. domesticus) and black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) on productive performances, hematology, intestinal morphology, and meat quality attributes of male broiler (Ross 308). MethodsA total of 350 1-day-old chicks (39.23 ± 0.19 g) were divided into seven groups (five pens per group and 10 chicks per pen) following a completely randomized design. The seven groups included 4%, 8%, and 12% SBM replacements with A. domesticus and H. illucens. Soybean meal was the basal diet considered the control. ResultsThe broilers fed 12% A. domesticus, or 12% H. illucens had significantly higher ((p 0.05) live weight, average daily weight gain, and improved feed conversion ratio than the broilers fed basal (SBM) diet throughout starter, grower, and finisher phases. Hematology (complete blood count and serum biochemistry traits) and intestinal morphology (villus height, villus width, crypt depth, and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio) of the broilers improved when fed on 12% A. domesticus and 12% H. illucens meals as compared to the control group (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Feeding 12% A. domesticus and 12% H. illucens also had a significant positive impact on the meat quality traits of broilers, such as maximum redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) with minimal cooking loss and lightness (L*) (p &amp;lt; 0.05) than the broilers fed the control diet. DiscussionUsing insect meal as an alternative to traditional feed sources could contribute significantly to the sustainable expansion of the poultry industry.

Correlating Feed Efficiency with Ruminal Bacterial, Fungal, and Archaeal Community Composition in Dairy Cows over Two Lactations

Dairy cows rely on their complex rumen microbial community to convert host-indigestible feed into nutrients usable for host growth, maintenance, and milk production. Previous work by our group found that the rumen bacterial community is dynamic over the course of two lactations and that cows with high and low milk production efficiency (MPE) have different taxa associated with either phenotype. Here, we characterized the ruminal fungal and archaeal communities to determine if these microbial populations exhibit properties similar to that of the rumen bacteria with respect to MPE over time. Our results show a decrease in fungal diversity over the course of both lactation cycles with an increase during the transition period. The fungal community had only a few taxa associated with efficiency. For the ruminal archaea, we found no change in diversity across both lactation cycles and only taxa in the genus Methanospera were found to be more abundant in high-MPE cows. Given that our previous study used 454 pyrosequencing, we also sought to determine if a resequencing of these communities using Illumina-based technology would alter our previous findings. We found that resequencing showed no significant deviation from our original broad conclusions, with the exception of some minor taxonomic associations.

Immunomodulatory and growth-promoting effects of Rauwolfia serpentina root powder in broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella Gallinarum

BackgroundAmid growing concern about antimicrobial resistance due to the irrational use of antibiotics in treating common poultry diseases, particularly Salmonella which is a foodborne pathogen in humans. This study investigates the effects of ethnoveterinary supplementation of Rauwolfia serpentina (L. Benth. ex Kurz) powder (RSP) on three key immune-related genes; Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), the quiescence-related gene P20K (P20K), and the major histocompatibility complex Class IIβ (MHC class IIβ), gut morphology and growth performance of broiler chicks infected with Salmonella Gallinarum.MethodsTwo hundred and forty day-old Hubbard classic chickens were randomly assigned to four groups: non-challenged control (NC), and Salmonella Gallinarum challenge group (SGC), and two treatment groups fed a basic diet supplemented with 1.5% Rauwolfia serpentina powder (RSP) with SGC (RSP-1) and 3% RSP with SGC (RSP-2), respectively, from day 3 till 28 days of age. Each treatment was replicated 4 times with 15 bird/replicate pen. On day 7, all the birds in the RSP-1, RSP-2 and SGC groups received 1 ml of BHI broth containing 2 × 108 CFU of Salmonella Gallinarum via oral gavage. While control birds received an equivalent volume of sterile BHI broth. Gene expression analysis was conducted using real-time PCR to measure the expression of key immune-related genes: SOCS3, P20K, and MHC Class IIβ in spleen, liver, and caeca. Additionally, histopathological assessments of gut and growth performance parameters including feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were monitored throughout the experimental period.ResultThe gene expression analysis at 3 and 21 days post-challenge revealed that SGC birds had significantly higher SOCS3, P20K, and lower MHC class IIβ expression (p &amp;lt; 0.001) in the caecum, liver, and spleen of broiler chickens. In contrast, the RSP-1 and RSP-2 groups showed significantly lower SOCS3 and P20K expression (p &amp;lt; 0.001), alongside improved gut morphology, weight gain, and FCR compared to the SGC group, with these benefits increasing over time.ConclusionIn conclusion, these findings suggest that Rauwolfia serpentina supplementation modulates key immune-related gene expression (SOCS3, P20K, and MHC class IIβ), enhances intestinal health, and improves growth performance in broilers challenged with Salmonella Gallinarum.

The effects of citral on the intestinal health and growth performance of American bullfrogs (Aquarana catesbeiana)

Bullfrogs (Aquarana catesbeiana) are increasingly cultivated for their high nutritional value and adaptability to intensive aquaculture systems. However, ensuring optimal intestinal health and growth performance remains a challenge due to poor water quality and high stocking densities. This study evaluated the effects of varying dietary concentrations of citral, a natural compound from lemongrass essential oil, on the intestinal health, microbiota, antioxidant capacity, and growth performance of juvenile bullfrogs. A total of 200 juvenile bullfrogs (initial weight 6.85 ± 0.71 g) were randomly assigned into six groups, each receiving diets supplemented with citral at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 mL/kg feed for 8 weeks. Citral supplementation significantly improved intestinal morphology, with goblet cell numbers, mucosal thickness, and villus-to-crypt ratios peaking at 2–4 mL/kg (P < 0.05). Optimal doses of 2–4 mL/kg also enhanced digestive enzyme activities, with α-amylase, lipase, and pepsin activities showing significant increases compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Antioxidant markers, including total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione (GSH), were highest at 2 mL/kg, while higher citral concentrations reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, indicating potential oxidative stress at 8–16 mL/kg (P < 0.05). Citral also modulated the intestinal microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Cetobacterium at 1–2 mL/kg (P < 0.05). However, microbial diversity decreased significantly at concentrations above 4 mL/kg. Growth performance analysis revealed that 4 mL/kg citral supplementation significantly improved weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), carcass weight (CW), and feed efficiency (FE), while survival rates declined at 16 mL/kg (P < 0.05). A linear regression model determined the optimal dietary citral concentration to be 3.216–3.942 mL/kg. This study concludes that dietary citral at 2–4 mL/kg optimally enhances growth performance, intestinal health, and antioxidant capacity in juvenile bullfrogs, while higher concentrations may disrupt gut health and oxidative balance. These findings provide valuable insights into the use of natural compounds like citral for sustainable aquaculture practices.

Effects of water acidifiers on the growth performance, intestinal function and gut microflora in broilers

ABSTRACT 1. This study evaluated the effect of acidified drinking water on the gastrointestinal function and intestinal health of broilers. 2. A total of 630 one-day-old male broilers (Arbor Acre) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: drinking water treatment (CON), drinking water + 0.5 ml Selko pH®/L (Selko pH), or + 0.85 ml Forticoat®/L (Forticoat) treated groups. Performance data, gut and digesta samples were collected from the broilers at the age of 21 and 42 d. 3. The results showed that acidifying drinking water had no significant effect on body weight or average daily gain (ADG). However, addition of Forticoat significantly increased (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) throughout the experimental period and significantly increased (p < 0.05) pepsin activity on d 21. The Selko pH supplemented drinking water significantly increased (p < 0.05) the relative length of the duodenum and jejunum on d 21. The relative length of the jejunum and caecum on d 42 compared to birds receiving CON. The addition of the Forticoat to drinking water significantly increased (p < 0.05) the relative length of the jejunum and caecum on d 42 than for samples from birds in the CON group. In the caecal chyme, abundance of Blautia, Bifidobasterium, Faecalibacterium, Limosilactobacillus and Akkermania spp. on d 21 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the caecum of birds receiving Selko pH than those in CON group and the number of Escherichia Shigella in Selko pH and Forticoat group were significantly lower (p < 0.05). 4. Overall, adding Seiko pH and Forticoat to drinking water improved pepsin activity, reduced the number of caecal pathogens, increased the number of beneficial bacteria and improved intestinal health in broilers.

Dietary incorporation of biological curcumin nanoparticles improved growth performance, ileal architecture, antioxidative status, serum lipid profile, and humoral immune response of heat-stressed broiler chickens.

Heat stress greatly impairs poultry productivity, underscoring the urgent need for effective strategies to mitigate these adverse effects and improve overall poultry health. This study assessed the impact of dietary curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs) on blood metabolites, immunity, redox status, ileal histomorphometry, and growth of broilers subjected to heat stress. A total of 400 one-day-old Ross-308 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into five groups, each consisting of eight replicates with ten birds per replicate. The chicks were fed a basal diet containing CurNPs at concentrations of 0, 100, 200, 300, or 400 mg/kg feed, designated as 0CurNPs, 100CurNPs, 200CurNPs, 300CurNPs, and 400CurNPs, respectively. Dietary CurNPs supplementation linearly (P > 0.001) improved weight gain, feed conversion ratio and European production efficiency index, while feed intake decreased linearly (P > 0.001) with increasing CurNPs supplementation. Carcass traits and serum renal and hepatic function biomarkers remained unaffected by the treatment. Serum cholesterol and LDL levels exhibited linear and quadratic (P > 0.05) reduction in all treated groups, although triglycerides and VLDL levels reduced linearly (P > 0.05) only in the 300CurNPs group. The inclusion of CurNPs resulted in a linear and quadratic increase (P > 0.05) in ileal villi height and a linear elevation (P > 0.05) in the villi height-to-crypt depth ratio. The redox status was improved with CurNPs supplementation, as serum MDA levels showed a linear decrease (P > 0.05) in the 300CurNPs and 400CurNPs groups, while SOD levels increased linearly and quadratically (P > 0.05) across all treated groups. Furthermore, dietary CurNPs exhibited linear (P > 0.001) increases in serum levels of IgM, IgG, and IgA, though antibody titres against NDV and AIV were unaffected. In conclusion, CurNPs proved to be an effective growth promoter, enhancing growth, intestinal architecture, redox status, and humoral immunity in heat-stressed broilers.

Soybean bioactive peptide supplementation improves gut health and metabolism in broiler chickens.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of soybean bioactive peptide (SBP) on the growth performance and intestinal health of yellow-feathered broilers and to further elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of intestinal health using multi-omics analysis. A total of 320 1-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into two groups, with 10 replicates per group and 16 birds per replicate. Broilers in the control group received the basal diet, and those in the experimental group (SBPG) received the basal diet with 0.2 % SBP replacing the same amount of soybean meal. The experiment lasted for 70 d. The results showed that, compared with those in the control group, the final body weight and average daily gain of SBPG broilers were significantly higher (P < 0.05), and the feed conversion ratio was significantly lower (P < 0.05). Notably, SBP significantly improved gut health in chickens, including increased intestinal villus height, decreased levels of proinflammatory factors, such as IL-1β and interferon-γ, and upregulated expression of tight junction proteins, such as ZO-1 and occludin. In addition, transcriptome sequencing results revealed that broilers in the SBP group exhibited significant enrichment in multiple metabolic pathways, including fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid degradation, and the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05). Cecal 16S rRNA sequencing showed that SBPG increased the abundance of the butyrate-producing beneficial bacteria Muribaculaceae. Subsequent cecal metabolome analysis also revealed that SBPG enhanced lipid-related metabolic pathways, such as alpha-linolenic acid metabolism and GPI-anchor biosynthesis. In conclusion, SBP is a potential feed additive that can improve intestinal morphology, enhance intestinal immunity and barrier function, optimize the structure of the intestinal microbiota, and enhance metabolic function.

Effects of drinking water supplemented with apple vinegar, essential oils, or colistin sulfate on growth performance, blood lipids, antioxidant status, intestinal morphology, and gut microflora of broiler chickens.

With rising concerns about antibiotic resistance and its consequences on public health, the identification of safe and effective alternatives to antibiotics in the poultry industry has become increasingly critical. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing drinking water with apple vinegar and essential oils, compared to an antibiotic growth promoter, on the growth performance, serum lipid profile, antioxidant status, intestinal morphology, and gastrointestinal microflora population of broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four treatments, each consisting of six replicate pens with ten birds per pen. The broiler chickens received the following experimental treatments: normal drinking water without additives (control) and drinking water supplemented with antibiotic (0.25 ml/L), apple vinegar (1 ml/L), and essential oils blend (0.5 ml/L). The results showed that adding antibiotic or essential oils blend to drinking water improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio throughout the entire rearing period (P < 0.05). The serum levels of cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in broilers that received apple vinegar or essential oils blend were lower than those in the control and antibiotic groups (P < 0.05). The essential oils blend treatment significantly increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in the serum of broiler chickens compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). Furthermore, adding essential oils blend to the drinking water increased villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum of broilers (P < 0.05). The broiler chickens in the apple vinegar and essential oil blend groups also exhibited a lower population of Enterobacteriaceae and a higher count of lactic acid bacteria in the ceca (P < 0.05). In summary, the addition of essential oils blend to the drinking water of broiler chickens has beneficial effects on production performance and can serve as an effective alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.

Tryptophan ameliorates soybean meal-induced enteritis via remission of oxidative stress, mitophagy hyperactivation, and apoptosis inhibition in hybrid yellow catfish gut (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco ♀ × Pelteobagrus vachelli ♂)

In this study, the effects of Trp on the growth performance and intestinal health of hybrid yellow catfish suffering from soybean meal-induced enteritis (SBMIE) were investigated. A total of 600 individuals (initial body weight: 6.47 ± 0.01 g) were randomly divided into 12 cages, each with a water volume of 0.9 m3 and containing 50 individuals. Four different diets were used to feed hybrid yellow catfish: a fish meal-based diet (containing 40 % fishmeal, FM diet), a soybean meal-based diet (dietary replacement of 75 % FM with soybean meal, SBM diet), and two tryptophan-supplemented diets (soybean meal-based diet containing 0.5 % or 1.0 % of tryptophan, respectively, Trp1 diet and Trp2 diet), were used to feed hybrid yellow catfish. After 42 days of feeding, growth performance, oxidation and antioxidant indices, intestinal histomorphology, mitophagy and apoptosis were analyzed. The results revealed that the final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion rate (FCR), viscerosomatic index (VSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and condition factor (CF) were unaffected by Trp (P > 0.05) compared with those of fish fed the SBM diet. The fish fed the SBM diet exhibited typical SBMIE, with significantly decreased T-AOC, T-SOD, CAT, and GSH-PX, and increased MDA, ROS, DAO and D-lactate (P < 0.05). The intestinal and mitochondrial morphologies were disrupted. Conversely, the decreased antioxidant capacity, increased oxidant stress and intestinal permeability were significantly reversed by dietary Trp, and the intestinal and mitochondrial structures were repaired (P < 0.05). Moreover, the protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1, as well as the mRNA expression levels of tgf-β, il-10, caspase 3, caspase 9, fis1, mff, drp1, mfn1, opa1, and nrf1, were significantly higher in the dietary Trp groups compared to the SBM group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the apoptotic signals in the hindgut were significantly greater in the dietary Trp groups than in the SBM group. (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of tnf-α, il-1β, beclin1, lc3a, lc3b, parkin, pink1, bnip3, and fundc1, as well as the protein level of LC3B, were significantly decreased by dietary Trp (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that Trp can be used as a feed additive to alleviate oxidative stress, ameliorate intestinal epithelial injury, and reduce hyperactivated mitophagy and apoptosis resistance in the intestinal epithelium of hybrid yellow catfish subjected to SBMIE.

Effects of replacing soybean meal with cottonseed meal on growth performance, carcass trait, intestinal development and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with cottonseed meal (CSM) on growth performance, carcass trait, intestinal development and intestinal microbiota of broilers. A total of 792 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly allotted to three treatment groups, with 8 replicates per group and 33 birds per replicate. The control birds were administered a diet consisting primarily of corn and soybean meal. The two treatment groups were fed a similar diet with the soybean meal partially substituted by 5 % (5 % CSM group) or 10 % cottonseed meal (10 % CSM group). The experiment lasted 37 days. Results showed that in the starter phase, the 10 % CSM group had a higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) and a lower average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared to the control group and the 5 % CSM group (P < 0.05). Notably, the 10 % CSM group had the lowest body weight (BW) at 15 days of age (P < 0.05) among all treatments. In the grower phase, there were no significant differences in BW, average daily gain (ADG), and FCR of broilers among all groups (P > 0.05). In the finisher phase, both the 5 % and 10 % CSM groups significantly decreased ADG, and the 10 % CSM group significantly decreased ADFI (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in final body weight, ADG and ADFI among treatments from 1 to 37 days (P > 0.05). No significant effect of CSM was observed on the slaughter performance of broiler chickens. Compared with the basal diet, 5 % CSM significantly decreased the weight/length index of broiler ileum and the relative weight of duodenum and jejunum at both levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, 5 % and 10 % CSM significantly decreased breast meat pH in 24 h (P < 0.05). Cottonseed meal had no significant effect on the alpha diversity, beta diversity, and taxonomic composition at the phylum and genus levels of the ileal microbiota in broilers (P > 0.05). However, Spearman correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation (P < 0.05) between several bacterial phyla (genera) and the growth performance as well as slaughter performance of broilers. In conclusion, the effect of replacing SBM with CSM in broiler diet on growth performance of broilers varied at different ages. Thus, incorporating 10 % CSM resulted in decreased growth performance during the starter phase, while both 5 % and 10 % CSM levels had similar negative effects during the grower phase. In the finisher stage, the use of 5 % CSM influenced gut weight and meat pH but had no influence on slaughter performance, intestinal health and ileal flora structure of broilers.