Gastrointestinal Tract Health Research Articles

PSXII-16 Effect of including sugar cane molasses on rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers

Abstract In ruminant animals, the use of molasses has benefits related to improved voluntary intake and increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the rumen, especially butyrate. Butyrate is closely related to gastrointestinal tract health, as it may contribute to the increase in the absorption area of the ruminal epithelium and improve the utilization of diet components, resulting in improved voluntary intake and immune response capacity in stressful situations, such as weaning. Hence, our objective was to assess the effect of sugar cane molasses on rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers. Newly weaned Nellore × Red Angus heifers (n = 12) averaging 238 ± 5.1 kg body weight (BW), were used. All heifers were housed in individual pens with concrete floors, covered feeders, and drinkers. The basal diet was 50 % concentrate, and consisted of corn silage, sorghum silage, ground corn, soybean meal, urea, and a mineral premix. The diet was provided twice daily at 0700 and 1600 h, allowing up to 10% in orts (as fed). The following treatments were evaluated: control (no addition of powdered molasses) or addition of 50 g/kg of diet [dry matter (DM) basis] of powdered molasses. The experiment lasted for a total of 80 d, including a 14-d adaptation period. On d 68 and 76, rumen fluid samples were collected both before and 4 h after the morning feeding using an oral probe coupled to a vacuum pump. The initial fluid samples were discarded to prevent saliva contamination. The rumen fluid was filtered through four layers of cheesecloth, and then pH was measured. Subsequently, samples were taken and stored in an ultra-freezer (-80°C) for subsequent SCFA analysis. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4 (α = 0.05). Providing molasses increased ruminal pH compared with control heifers (P < 0.032). Adding molasses did not affect SCFA concentration (P > 0.90). Conversely, we detected an effect of molasses on SCFA molar proportion. The molar proportion of both acetate (P < 0.013) and butyrate (P < 0.012) were greater in heifers fed molasses than with controls. On the other hand, dietary molasses addition decreased (P < 0.001). the propionate molar proportion. This resulted in an increased (P < 0.002) acetate-to-propionate ratio in heifers fed diets containing molasses. In conclusion, providing sugar cane molasses enhances rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers.

Gut microbiota in multiple sclerosis and animal models.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system (CNS) neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disease marked by a host immune reaction that targets and destroys the neuronal myelin sheath. MS and correlating animal disease models show comorbidities, including intestinal barrier disruption and alterations of the commensal microbiome. It is accepted that diet plays a crucial role in shaping the microbiota composition and overall gastrointestinal (GI) tract health, suggesting an interplay between nutrition and neuroinflammation via the gut-brain axis. Unfortunately, poor host health and diet lead to microbiota modifications that could lead to significant responses in the host, including inflammation and neurobehavioral changes. Beneficial microbial metabolites are essential for host homeostasis and inflammation control. This review will highlight the importance of the gut microbiota in the context of host inflammatory responses in MS and MS animal models. Additionally, microbial community restoration and how it affects MS and GI barrier integrity will be discussed.

Dietary Strategies to Improve Exercise Performance by Modulating the Gut Microbiota.

Numerous research studies have shown that moderate physical exercise exerts positive effects on gastrointestinal tract health and increases the variety and relative number of beneficial microorganisms in the intestinal microbiota. Increasingly, studies have shown that the gut microbiota is critical for energy metabolism, immunological response, oxidative stress, skeletal muscle metabolism, and the regulation of the neuroendocrine system, which are significant for the physiological function of exercise. Dietary modulation targeting the gut microbiota is an effective prescription for improving exercise performance and alleviating exercise fatigue. This article discusses the connection between exercise and the makeup of the gut microbiota, as well as the detrimental effects of excessive exercise on gut health. Herein, we elaborate on the possible mechanism of the gut microbiota in improving exercise performance, which involves enhancing skeletal muscle function, reducing oxidative stress, and regulating the neuroendocrine system. The effects of dietary nutrition strategies and probiotic supplementation on exercise from the perspective of the gut microbiota are also discussed in this paper. A deeper understanding of the potential mechanism by which the gut microbiota exerts positive effects on exercise and dietary nutrition recommendations targeting the gut microbiota is significant for improving exercise performance. However, further investigation is required to fully comprehend the intricate mechanisms at work.

Baccharoides anthelmintica (L.) Moench: A Review on Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Toxicological Profile.

Baccharoides anthelmintica (L.) Moench is a popular medicinal plant with a long history of use in several traditional remedies to cure a variety of diseases including; its effect on the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, metabolism, kidneys, gynecology, skin diseases, and general health. The present review aims to provide the latest, organized information on toxicological, pharmacological, phytochemical, and ethnomedicinal applications of Baccharoides anthelmintica. For this; several well-known searchable websites (search engines) like; Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus-Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, Springer, and DOAJ, were used to empirically investigate the knowledge of this useful medicinal plant. Based on previous studies, the pharmacological action of B. anthelmintica is due to various secondary metabolites including alkaloids, terpenoids, lignans, steroids, and other phytoconstituents. Hence, the present study recorded 225 phytochemicals obtained from different parts of the plant, where the steroids and derivatives (48), terpenes and sesquiterpenes (46), flavonoids and derivatives (41), fatty acids and derivatives (40), phenolic acids (12), triterpenes (11), chalcones (06), diterpenes (01) and miscellaneous (20) were reported. The present review also covered the pharmacological importance, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic action, liver disease, anticancer potential, anti-HIV, antiosteoporotic action, antitoxic action, skin disorder, wound healing and immunomodulatory activity, systemic infection, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases etc. The review concluded that B. anthelmintica has several pharmacological activities, which were due to the presence of secondary metabolites present in it, and thus indicates the importance of medicinal value of this plant. Hence, B. anthelmintica may be a good source for developing a lead molecule in the process of new drug discovery and development. More study is required to determine the pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, long-term toxicology testing, safe dosage, and possible interactions with other herbs/drugs.

A Scoping Review on The Relationship between Pulse Protein Consumption and its Effect on Human Gastrointestinal Tract and its Microbiome

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a very intricate set of organs of the human body due to the diversity of microorganisms that inhabit it. The relationship between food intake and GIT health is known to food science and nutrition. However, the effect on the human gastrointestinal tract and its microbiome of legume proteins is not yet clearly understood. The objective of this review was documenting the effects of the consumption of legume proteins and their derived peptides on the GIT, in order to elucidate, based on the available scientific evidence, the relationship of this consumption with the microbiota and the prevention of diseases. A scoping review was carried out based on a search of articles published in four databases: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Academic, published between 1992 and 2022, in English or Spanish, excluding research carried out on animals. From a collection of 715 initially-selected articles, 13 met the eligibility criteria. Research confirmed that legume proteins and peptides go beyond simply providing amino acids for the development and repair of body tissues. In fact, numerous proteins, including lectins and enzyme inhibitors considered antinutrients, together with peptides, such as lunasin, have exhibited anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulatory properties. Also, they might regulate the microbiota flora and the manufacture of metabolites. The need for further research in humans is highlighted to understand the specific effect that these proteins and peptides have on the GIT and its microbiota, as well as the mechanisms behind their positive properties in inflammatory processes and diseases such as cancer. A knowledge gap is identified in the mechanisms of action of these proteins in the GIT, which represents an opportunity to assess the nutraceutical potential of legume proteins and their derived peptides.

Role of dietary fiber and lifestyle modification in gut health and sleep quality.

Dietary fiber has an immense role in the gut microbiome by modulating juvenile growth, immune system maturation, glucose, and lipid metabolism. Lifestyle changes might disrupt gut microbiota symbiosis, leading to various chronic diseases with underlying inflammatory conditions, obesity, and its associated pathologies. An interventional study of 16 weeks examined the impact of psyllium husk fiber with and without lifestyle modification on gut health and sleep quality in people with central obesity (men = 60 and women = 60), those aged from 40 to 60 years, those having WC ≥ 90 cm (men) and WC ≥ 80 cm (women), and no history of any chronic disease or regular medication. The participants were subgrouped into three intervention groups, namely, the psyllium husk fiber (PSH) group, the lifestyle modification (LSM) group, and the LSM&PSH group and control group with equal gender bifurcation (men = 15 and women = 15). A 24-h dietary recall, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) symptoms, and sleep quality analysis data were collected on validated questionnaires. The analyses of variance and covariance were used for baseline and post-intervention, respectively. Student's t-test was applied for pre- and post-intervention changes on the variable of interest. The intervention effect on GIT health was highly significant (P < 0.001). The mean GIT scores of the LSM, PSH, and LSM&PSH groups were 2.99 ± 0.14, 2.49 ± 0.14, and 2.71 ± 0.14, respectively, compared to the mean GIT scores of the control group. No significant (P = 0.205) effect of either intervention was observed on sleep quality. The study concluded that psyllium husk fiber significantly improved the GIT symptoms, while no significant effect of the intervention was observed on sleep quality analysis.

Effects of Supplementing Milk Replacer with Sodium Butyrate on Dairy Calves.

Diarrhea and respiratory diseases pose significant challenges in the rearing of pre-weaned calves, motivating the investigation of tools to improve gastrointestinal tract development, health, and overall performance in young calves. Consequently, the primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an additive incorporated into milk replacer to promote the development and health of the animals. Forty-six dairy calves were randomly assigned into two treatments: control (CON, n = 23; with 15 females and 8 males), and sodium butyrate (SB, n = 23; with 15 females and 8 males). The calves in the SB treatment group were supplemented with 4 g/d of unprotected sodium butyrate (Adimix, Adisseo, China), added to the milk replacer from 4 to 60 days of age. Water and starter were fed ad libitum. The study evaluated several parameters, including feed intake, nutrient digestibility, ruminal pH, ammonia and volatile fatty acids, blood metabolites (glucose, insulin-like growth factor type 1, urea, β-hydroxybutyrate), hemogram, health scores, performance, and feed efficiency. Bull calves were euthanized at 60 days of age for organ comparison, while heifer calves were assessed for carryover effects up to 90 days of age. Data were analyzed independently using linear mixed models using the nlme package in R, and the Artools package for non-parametric categorical outcomes. Although the feed intake and performance variables exhibited differences within weeks, no divergence was observed between treatment groups. Notably, a positive treatment-by-week interaction was identified for starter feed intake (p = 0.02) and total dry matter intake (p = 0.04) during pre-weaning for CON animals. Ruminal parameters, blood metabolites, and hemogram values such as glucose, urea, insulin-like growth factor type 1, mean corpuscular value, lymphocytes, and neutrophils displayed differences within weeks during the pre-weaning stage, but similar results within groups. No differences between supplemented and non-supplemented calves were found across nutrient digestibility, organ development, and histology. Regarding health scores, differences were noted within weeks for fecal and respiratory scores during the pre-weaning stage, and only the respiratory score during the post-weaning stage. Consequently, butyrate supplementation did not elicit improvements or negative effects in the body development or health status of dairy calves.

Dietary intervention with edible film-coated multistrain probiotic Lacticaseibacilli in nondairy food matrices significantly increased the recovery of fecal viable Lacticaseibacilli and improved the performance of several colonic biomarkers among slightly malnourished preschool children.

Probiotic enriched dairy products are widely consumed in Western countries for their beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract and overall health. The present study aims to investigate the beneficial effects of probiotic Lacticaseibacilli (LAB) strains in non-dairy food matrices. A blend of edible film-coated probiotic LAB, L. plantarum, L. paracasei, and L. rhamnosus, were incorporated into plain biscuits and dry dates. Design of the randomized controlled study: Children of both sexes (mean age 55.7 ± 14.5 months) attending kindergarten in Tersa, a poor urban Giza district, were recruited and randomized into 5 groups of equal numbers. Treatment groups: (1) placebo biscuits, (2) functional probiotic biscuits (0.18 billion colony forming units (cfu) of LAB) (3) functional probiotic + inulin biscuits (0.2 billion cfu of LAB + 2 g of chicory inulin); (4) placebo dates and (5) functional probiotic dates (0.3 billion cfu of viable multistrain LAB). The supplements were served 5 days a week and each child had to consume 21 servings of the supplement. The primary outcome was an increase in the fecal recovery of viable LAB after the intake of 21 servings (T1) compared to the respective baseline counts (T0). The secondary outcomes include the determination of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and secretory immunoglobulin A (s-Ig A) using ELISA and fecal ammonia excretion. Results: Statistically significant % increases in the recoveries of fecal viable LAB were found among the children consuming 21 servings of supplements 2, 3, and 5 compared to the respective count at T0. Similar significant increases were found in the fecal concentrations of SCFA and s-Ig A among the children consuming 21 servings of supplements 2, 3 and 5 compared to the respective counts at T0. On the other hand, the concentration of toxic ammonia excretion decreased significantly in the feces of all children consuming probiotic-containing supplements (groups 2, 3, and 5) at T1 compared to the respective concentrations obtained at T0. Conclusion: Multistrain microencapsulated probiotic Lacticaseibacilli in functional biscuits and dry dates successfully tolerated the acidic gastric transit and exerted their bioactive action on the colonic microbiome. The synbiotic supplement exhibited a higher production rate of colonic SCFA. Probiotic-enriched products that confer definitive health benefits are convenient and do not need to be kept under refrigeration. Manipulating the composition and function of the microbiome in childhood through probiotic/+ prebiotic interventions is cost-effective with long-term beneficial health outcomes. This study was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee, National Research Center and registered as Clinical Trial 16/422. Written informed consent was obtained from the mothers of all participating children.

PSV-20 The Effect of Bacillus Spp. Supplementation on Performance and Immune Function of Heifers Grazing Tall Fescue Pastures

Abstract Probiotics are purported to improve gastrointestinal tract health across a variety of species. Thus, we evaluated the effects of supplementing a blend of Bacillus spp. on performance and immune function in immature beef cattle. Crossbred heifers (n = 192) were stratified by initial body weight (196 ± 15.4 kg) and randomly assigned to 1 of 24 pastures (1.8 ha each) of Kentucky 31 tall fescue. Heifers were offered 2.84 kg daily of a commodity feed blend and the supplement contained either no probiotic (CON) or of Bacillus spp. (BAC). Bacillus spp. was offered at 3 grams per head per day. Heifers were weighed on consecutive days on d 0 and 1, along with d 84 and 85 to establish initial and final body weight. Interim weights were taken every 28 d. A humoral response to chicken egg albumin (OVA) was established following a subcutaneous injection with OVA. To assess heifers’ immune responses, plasma was taken from two heifers per pasture on d 1, 15, 29, 43, and 57. Plasma samples were measured for the presence of anti-OVA IgG, proinflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. There were no trt*day interactions (P ≥ 0.30) for plasma response variables. Concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α and IFN-γ decreased (P ≤ 0.01) in heifers supplemented with BAC. The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 F5 decreased (P = 0.02) with BAC supplementation. Chemokines MIG and MIP-1β also decreased (P ≤ 0.03) with BAC supplementation. Heifers fed BAC tended to display (P = 0.09) greater titers of anti-OVA IgG than the control. Body weight and average daily gain did not differ (P ≥ 0.53) throughout the experiment. Under the conditions of this experiment, heifers supplemented with Bacillus spp. demonstrated modulated immune responses.

Are the effects of Deoxynivalenol (DON) on performance, liver and gastrointestinal tract health of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) influenced by dietary composition?

This study investigated if dietary composition influences the effects of Deoxynivalenol (DON) on the health and performance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Four experimental diets (2 × 2 factorial design) were formulated which differed in 1) the diet composition; fishmeal (FM) versus soybean meal-based (SBM) and 2) the DON content of wheat; clean versus naturally contaminated wheat. Triplicate groups of n = 30 fish were assigned to each diet: (1) CON-FM; DON= 0 µg/kg feed; (2) DON-FM; DON= 1200 µg/kg feed; (3) CON-SBM; DON= 46 µg/kg feed; (4) DON-SBM; DON= 1300 µg/kg feed. The 8 week experiment was divided into two feeding periods: after 6 weeks of restrictive feeding, fish were fed ad libitum for 2 weeks. Influences on performance were evaluated by determining growth, protein and energy gain metrics, and on health parameters through the determination of histopathological changes in the liver and gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Restrictive feeding showed negative effects of DON and dietary composition on performance but did not show an interaction between DON and diet composition. Similarly, subsequent ad libitum feeding showed effects of DON and/or diet composition on growth, feed efficiency and body biometrics, but no interaction effects. These data confirmed the challenging nature of the SBM-based diet and previously noted negative effects of DON on performance. Only the histopathological assessment of mucosal fold width, enterocyte width and goblet cell density indicated significant interaction effects between DON and diet composition in the midgut. Yet, the differences were generally small and interaction effects were restricted to the midgut and not to the hindgut which is usually challenged by SBM. The combined information on growth performance and health suggests that DON challenges rainbow trout regardless of being fed a FM- or SBM-based diet, allowing more flexible formulations in the aquafeeds.

Effect of Yeast Cell Wall on Gut Health, Immunity and Milk Production of Dairy Cattle in Normal and Heat Stress Conditions. Review

This review focuses on the most recent literature to bring to light the major beneficial effects of the yeast cell wall (YCW) and its products on dairy cattle. These products include viable yeast, yeast culture, nutritional yeast, and fractionated yeast products. The yeast cell wall is one of these products and belongs to the fractionated yeast products used to promote production performance and health in dairy cows. The yeast and YCW were proven to have positive impacts on dairy cattle performance in terms of milk yield, milk components, and overall quality. As well, these products showed beneficial effects under heat stress conditions. The YCW is a natural fermentation derivative of yeast cells such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae species consists mainly of β-glucan (29% to 64%), mannan (31%), and some other compounds like protein (13%), lipids (9%), chitin (1–2%) with β-glucan and mannan being the main bioactive molecules. The mode of action through which YCW elicit their beneficial functions in dairy cow explain their effect on cows' metabolism and digestion, immunity, rumen and intestine health, and subsequent performance and well-being. These modes of action include improving gastrointestinal (GI) tract health, stimulating immune system components as it is considered an immunomodulator additive, mycotoxin binding ability, and improving antioxidant capacity. Therefore, yeast and YCW products are one of the promising areas of ruminant nutrition in dairy cows, not only because of their nutritional and health benefits to dairy cows but also due to their negligible residual effects on dairy cows’ bodies and products.

Physiological effects of in ovo delivery of bioactive substances in broiler chickens.

The poultry industry has improved genetics, nutrition, and management practices, resulting in fast-growing chickens; however, disturbances during embryonic development may affect the entire production cycle and cause irreversible losses to broiler chicken producers. The most crucial time in the chicks' development appears to be the perinatal period, which encompasses the last few days of pre-hatch and the first few days of post-hatch. During this critical period, intestinal development occurs rapidly, and the chicks undergo a metabolic and physiological shift from the utilization of egg nutrients to exogenous feed. However, the nutrient reserve of the egg yolk may not be enough to sustain the late stage of embryonic development and provide energy for the hatching process. In addition, modern hatchery practices cause a delay in access to feed immediately post-hatch, and this can potentially affect the intestinal microbiome, health, development, and growth of the chickens. Development of the in ovo technology allowing for the delivery of bioactive substances into chicken embryos during their development represents a way to accommodate the perinatal period, late embryo development, and post-hatch growth. Many bioactive substances have been delivered through the in ovo technology, including carbohydrates, amino acids, hormones, prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics, antibodies, immunostimulants, minerals, and microorganisms with a variety of physiological effects. In this review, we focused on the physiological effects of the in ovo delivery of these substances, including their effects on embryo development, gastrointestinal tract function and health, nutrient digestion, immune system development and function, bone development, overall growth performance, muscle development and meat quality, gastrointestinal tract microbiota development, heat stress response, pathogens exclusion, and birds metabolism, as well as transcriptome and proteome. We believe that this method is widely underestimated and underused by the poultry industry.

Analysis of Industrial Bacillus Species as Potential Probiotics for Dietary Supplements.

So far, Bacillus species bacteria are being used as bacteria concentrates, supplementing cleaning preparations in order to reduce odor and expel pathogenic bacteria. Here, we discuss the potential of Bacillus species as 'natural' probiotics and evaluate their microbiological characteristics. An industrially used microbiological concentrates and their components of mixed Bacillus species cultures were tested, which may be a promising bacteria source for food probiotic preparation for supplementary diet. In this study, antagonistic activities and probiotic potential of Bacillus species, derived from an industrial microbiological concentrate, were demonstrated. The cell free supernatants (CFS) from Bacillus licheniformis mostly inhibited the growth of foodborne pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 35150, Salmonella Enteritidis KCCM 12021, and Staphylococcus aureus KCCM 11335, while some of Bacillus strains showed synergistic effect with foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, Bacillus strains identified by the MALDI TOF-MS method were found sensitive to chloramphenicol, kanamycin, and rifampicin. B. licheniformis and B. cereus displayed the least sensitivity to the other tested antibiotics, such as ampicillin, ampicillin and sulfbactam, streptomycin, and oxacillin and bacitracin. Furthermore, some of the bacterial species detected extended their growth range from the mesophilic to moderately thermophilic range, up to 54 °C. Thus, their potential sensitivity to thermophilic TP-84 bacteriophage, infecting thermophilic Bacilli, was tested for the purpose of isolation a new bacterial host for engineered bionanoparticles construction. We reason that the natural environmental microflora of non-pathogenic Bacillus species, especially B. licheniformis, can become a present probiotic remedy for many contemporary issues related to gastrointestinal tract health, especially for individuals under metabolic strain or for the increasingly growing group of lactose-intolerant people.

Cannabis use and gastrointestinal tract illnesses: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2005-2018.

The antiemetic properties of cannabis have motivated its use in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Conversely, case reports of intractable vomiting among heavy cannabis users have increasingly appeared in the literature. Studies on cannabis and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) health are scare. Here, we use data for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES, 2005-2018) to estimate the association between cannabis use and GIT illness. The study sample included non-pregnant adult NHANES participants (20-59 years) without history of cancer or HIV (n=18,753). Cannabis use was categorised into never, former (0day in the past 30 days), infrequent (1-2 days), occasional (3-19 days) and frequent (20-30 days) use. Recent GIT illness was defined as experiencing GIT illness with vomiting or diarrhoea that started in the 30 days prior to NHANES. Logistic regression was used to regress GIT illness on cannabis use, adjusting for potential confounders. Compared to never use, frequent cannabis use was associated with higher odds of GIT illness (OR=1.4; 95% confidence interval 1.04, 1.9). There were no associations between former, infrequent or occasional cannabis use and GIT illness. Frequent cannabis use is associated with GIT illnesses in a large cross-sectional study of US residents. It is possible that frequent cannabis use adversely affects GIT health, consistent with clinical case reports. Alternatively, patients with GIT illness might self-medicate with cannabis given its antiemetic properties. Prospective studies are needed to understand the effects of cannabis use on GIT health.

Azolla as a New Dietary Source in Broiler Feed: a Physiological and Production Study.

The high requirement of the broiler to protein in the diet needs more knowledge about protein quality, availability of amino acids, prices or cost, the minimum concentration of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) health. Azolla is a floating fern with high protein content, vitamins (Vit B12, Vit A, and growth promoters), essential amino acids, and minerals (phosphor, calcium, ferrous and potassium). Azolla can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere through the presence of blue-green algae (Anabaena azollae) in their leaves cavities. This study investigated the physiological and production effect of including different levels of Azolla in broiler feed. Four hundred broiler Ross chicks were randomly divided into four equal groups (n=100). The Control group received a regular diet without any supplementation. Animals in the treatment 1 group (T1) received 15% Azolla in their regular diet formulation, the treatment 2 group (T2) received 30% Azolla in their diet formulation, and the treatment 3 group (T3) received 45% Azolla. The animals had ad libitum access to food and water. Body weights and food conversion ratio (FCR) were monitored weekly, and blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment for assessment of lipid profile (cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL and VLDL), blood proteins (total protein and albumin) and activity of liver enzymes (GOT, GPT and ALP). The results showed an increasing body weight significantly (P≤0.5) in the T3 group compared with the control along with a significant decrease in FCR at an exact quantity of feed for each group (3 Kg). The results showed no change in physiological parameters (lipid profile, blood protein and liver enzymes activity) except for the levels of GOT, which decreased significantly (P≤0.5). In conclusion, the inclusion of Azolla at 15, 30 and 45% in broiler feed has a good effect on body weight and FCR, with no adverse effect on the normal physiology of broilers. Also, supplementation of Azolla can decrease production costs in the broiler industry by more than 30%.

Mobile Apps for the Management of Gastrointestinal Diseases: Systematic Search and Evaluation Within App Stores.

BackgroundGastrointestinal diseases are associated with substantial cost in health care. In times of the COVID-19 pandemic and further digitalization of gastrointestinal tract health care, mobile health apps could complement routine health care. Many gastrointestinal health care apps are already available in the app stores, but the quality, data protection, and reliability often remain unclear.ObjectiveThis systematic review aimed to evaluate the quality characteristics as well as the privacy and security measures of mobile health apps for the management of gastrointestinal diseases.MethodsA web crawler systematically searched for mobile health apps with a focus on gastrointestinal diseases. The identified mobile health apps were evaluated using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Furthermore, app characteristics, data protection, and security measures were collected. Classic user star rating was correlated with overall mobile health app quality.ResultsThe overall quality of the mobile health apps (N=109) was moderate (mean 2.90, SD 0.52; on a scale ranging from 1 to 5). The quality of the subscales ranged from low (mean 1.89, SD 0.66) to good (mean 4.08, SD 0.57). The security of data transfer was ensured only by 11 (10.1%) mobile health apps. None of the mobile health apps had an evidence base. The user star rating did not correlate with the MARS overall score or with the individual subdimensions of the MARS (all P>.05).ConclusionsMobile health apps might have a positive impact on diagnosis, therapy, and patient guidance in gastroenterology in the future. We conclude that, to date, data security and proof of efficacy are not yet given in currently available mobile health apps.

Gastrointestinal and Nutrition Tables in Latest Gastrointestinal Research in Islamic Civilization in Middle Ages

Research on Islamic civilization shows that gastrointestinal diseases are rooted in social lifestyles and are a sociological phenomenon. The science and craft of medicine evolved to such an extent that Muslim physicians presented a set of general rules in medicine, including gastroenterology, including Ibn Rushd in his book Generalities in Medicine. One of general laws of medicine in Middle Ages was about the functioning of gastrointestinal tract in relation to disease and health. In this general law, the systematic relationship between digestion and place, including village and city, time of year and days and hours of day and night, age of people, pollution and air pollution, is regulated in health table. By referring to this limit, one can choose food that is useful for maintaining health and also be safe from diseases. Spread of health is legacy of Islamic medicine in Middle Ages for world of science, which can be used even now. In this general law, occurrence of all diseases is due to digestive problems and incorrect choice of food. He considers urban lifestyle in nutrition as cause of all diseases. In Islamic medicine, there is a direct relationship between food and its type of digestion and lifestyle to maintain health. According to Ibn Khaldun, who has introduced himself as a commentator on works of Averroes who invented eight hundred years ago the “Trophology and “Ecotrophology” which developed in Europe in second half of twentieth century, was ago, Ibn Khaldun as sociologist studied issue pathology of nutrition from propht to averroes and interoduced hypotheses in nutrition about view of Islamic civilization and writes: Urban diet style is cause of disease: 1. Wrong food composition. people of city add all kinds of ingredients and condiments to food and produce dozens of indistinct forms of food and fruit that are not recognizable to human temperament. 2. Inactivity among city dwellers. 3. Stinking air and air pollution 4. Overeating and starting to eat new food before digesting t previous food Research hypothesis is presentation of a panoramic image of human nutrition knowledge of Qur’an by human maker, which is a firm image and in accordance with reality and there is a firm and definite logical relationship between gastrointestinal tract and food and health that can be plotted in a quantitative graph in Islamic civilization.

101 Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction: Causes and Metabolic Consequences

Abstract The intestinal epithelium has two critical roles: nutrient absorption and protection against numerous pathogens and antigens present in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The GIT is thought to be the evolutionary developmental site of the original immune system which later progressed into adding more specialized tissues. The GIT contains an enormous surface area to defend against invading pathogens and contains the majority of the body’s immune cells. Poor gut health can be caused by a variety of stressors, and ruminant research has characterized the negative impacts of rumen acidosis, heat stress, and feed restriction (FR) on lower gut health. Recently, FR has been utilized as a model to study negative consequences of GIT health and strategies to ameliorate it. The mechanism by which FR causes barrier dysfunction is not known but could be due to a lack of luminal nutrients or associated psychological stress. If stress causes GIT health to be compromised to the point where pathogens/antigens cross into the host animal and if the insult is severe enough, systemic inflammation can ensue. Inflammation is energetically costly, in part because activated immune cells have a preferential appetite for glucose. Inflammation also alters basal and stimulated metabolism, likely to help support glucose sparing for immune system use. This is extremely costly to the producer, as an animal must mobilize valuable skeletal muscle stores or compromise milk (lactose) production to ensure adequate glucose for survival. In an intensely activated immune system, it has been estimated that ~1.0 g glucose / kg BW0.75 / hour is utilized to mount a response. Therefore, it is important for producers to minimize stresses known to compromise gut integrity and for nutritionists and allied industry personnel to understand and utilize nutritional strategies and interventions to protect GIT health.

PSVII-4 Effects of Feeding Direct-fed Microbials on Performance and Carcass Traits of Finishing Bos Indicus Cattle

Abstract Feed additives, such as direct-fed microbials (DFM), are commonly included into feedlot diets to improve rumen fermentation, gastrointestinal tract health, and overall animal performance. Among the strains of interest in DFM products, yeast, lactic acid and bacilli are highlighted. Hence, we hypothesized that the supplementation of different DFM would improve performance of feedlot Bos indicus cattle receiving a finishing diet. On day -1, 240 Nellore bulls were blocked based on initial body weight (BW; 374 ± 35.3 kg) into 1 of 60 feedlot pens (4 bulls/pen) and pens within blocks were randomly assigned to: (1) Control: no DFM supplementation (n = 20), (2) EFSC: 1 gram/head per day of a DFM based on Enterococcus faecium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Probios Precise, Chr. Hansen A/S, Horsholm, Denmark; n = 20), and (3) BLBS: 2 grams/head per day of a DFM based on Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis (Bovacillus, Chr. Hansen A/S; n = 20). There were 3 adapting diets and the finishing diet (20% corn silage, 33% ground flint corn, 45% distiller’s bran plus soluble and 2% minerals and vitamins mixture) that was offered throughout the experimental period (115 days). On day 113, carcass ultrasound evaluations were performed, and carcass traits were also obtained upon slaughter on day 117. All data were analyzed as orthogonal contrasts (SAS Software): (1) DFM vs. Control and (2) EFSC vs. BLBS. No effects were observed on daily DMI (P ≥ 0.18) or final BW (P ≥ 0.12). Nonetheless, DFM supplementation, regardless of type, tended to improve ADG (1.57 vs. 1.50 kg; P = 0.10) and FE (145 vs. 140 g/kg; P = 0.07). No further effects were observed on carcass traits measured via ultrasound or at slaughter (P ≥ 0.22). In summary, DFM supplementation, regardless of type, tended to benefit feedlot performance of Bos indicus bulls.

Comparing effects of natural betaine and betaine hydrochloride on gut physiology in broiler chickens

Betaine is a well-known component of poultry diets with various effects on nutritional physiology. For example, increased water retention due to the osmolytic effect of betaine increases the volume of the cell, thereby accelerating the anabolic activity, integrity of cell membrane, and overall performance of the bird. Betaine is a multifunctional component (trimethyl derivative) acting as the most efficient methyl group donor and as an organic osmolyte, which can directly influence the gastrointestinal tract integrity, functionality, and health. So far, nothing is known about the effect of betaine on the intestinal barrier in chickens. In addition, little is known about comparing natural betaine with its synthetic form. Therefore, an animal study was conducted to ascertain the effects of betaine supplementation (natural and synthetic) on performance and intestinal physiological responses of broilers. One hundred and five 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned into 3 groups with 35 birds each: control, natural betaine (1 kg active natural (n)-betaine/ton of feed) and synthetic (syn)-betaine‐HCL (1 kg active betaine /ton of feed). Histological assessment showed lower jejunal crypt depth and villi height/crypt depth ratio in syn-betaine-HCL group compared with natural n-betaine fed birds. Furthermore, it was found that syn-betaine-HCL negatively affects the integrity of the intestine by increasing the intestinal paracellular permeability in both jejunum and cecum as evidenced by a higher mannitol flux. Additionally, syn-betaine-HCl significantly upregulated the IFN-γ mRNA expression at certain time points, which could promote intestinal permeability, as it plays an important role in intestinal barrier dysfunction. Body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) did not differ (P > 0.05) between the control birds and birds supplemented with syn-betaine‐HCL. However, the BW and BWG were significantly (P < 0.05) improved by the dietary inclusion of n-betaine compared with other treatments. Altogether, the dietary inclusion of n-betaine had a positive effect on performance and did not negatively affect gut paracellular permeability. Furthermore, our results show that syn-betaine-HCl induces changes in the intestine, indicating an alteration of the intestinal histology and permeability. Thus, natural or synthetic betaine has different effects, which needs to be considered when using them as a feed supplement.