Ileal Crypt Depth Research Articles

Using soybean acid oil or its calcium salt as the energy source for broiler chickens: Effects on growth performance, carcass traits, intestinal morphology, nutrient digestibility, and immune responses

This study consisted of three experiments performed on Ross 308 broilers. The first experiment (Exp. 1) was a bioassay in which the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of soybean acid oil (SAO) and its calcium salt (CSSAO) was measured to be 37.30 and 30.36 MJ/kg, respectively. The latter two experiments evaluated SAO and CSSAO as the energy source for growing chickens. The treatments for Exp. 2 were a control diet with no added fat and six diets that were included with either SAO (1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 % [SAO1, SAO2, and SAO3, respectively]) or CSSAO (1.2, 2.4, or 3.6 % [CSSAO1, CSSAO2, and CSSAO3, respectively]) to provide similar AMEn. The AMEn contents were 11.90, 12.20, and 12.50 MJ/kg of diet in the starter (8–14 d of age), grower (15–28 d of age), and finisher (29–42 d of age) periods, respectively. The treatments for Exp. 3 were a control (as in Exp. 2) and 4 diets that were enriched with SAO (2.0 or 4.0 % [HSAO1 and HSAO2, respectively]) or CSSAO (2.4 or 4.8 % [HCSSAO1 and HCSSAO2, respectively]) and formulated to be higher in AMEn than the control. The AMEn contents of the HSAO1 and HCSSAO1 diets were 12.25, 12.55, and 12.85 MJ/kg, while the HSAO2 and HCSSAO2 provided 12.60, 12.90, and 13.20 MJ/kg AMEn in the starter, grower, and finisher periods, respectively. In Exp. 2, a tendency to improve of overall body weight gain was recorded with the increase of SAO and CSSAO concentrations in the diet (P = 0.076). In Exp. 3, however, a rise of dietary AMEn with either fat source increased body weight gain and feed efficiency than the control during the entire period (P < 0.05). Diet inclusion with SAO or CSSAO increased the villus height and villus/crypt ratio across the small intestine and decreased the ileal crypt depth, while improved dry matter and crude protein digestibility (P < 0.05), with these differences were more marked in Exp. 3. Conversely, the ether extract digestibility tended to decrease with HSAO2 and HCSSAO2 diets (P = 0.104). Dietary treatments did not affect antibody titers against Newcastle and avian influenza diseases (Exp. 2 and Exp. 3). To conclude, both SAO and CSSAO could be added as energy source to the diet while having beneficial effects on the performance and health of broiler chickens.

Dietary inclusion of multispecies probiotics to reduce the severity of post-weaning diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli F18+ in pigs.

This study was aimed to determine the efficacy of multispecies probiotics in reducing the severity of post-weaning diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F18+ on newly weaned pigs. Thirty-two pigs (16 barrows and 16 gilts, BW = 6.99 ± 0.33 kg) at 21 d of age were individually allotted in a randomized complete block design with 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Pigs were selected from sows not infected previously and not vaccinated against ETEC. Pigs were fed experimental diets for 25 d based on 10 d phase 1 and 15 d phase 2. The factors were ETEC challenge (oral inoculation of saline solution or E. coli F18+ at 2 × 109 CFU) and probiotics (none or multispecies probiotics 0.15% and 0.10% for phase 1 and 2, respectively). Body weight and feed intake were measured on d 5, 9, 13, 19, and 25. Fecal scores were measured daily. Blood samples were taken on d 19 and 24. On d 25, all pigs were euthanized to obtain samples of digesta, intestinal tissues, and spleen. The tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), malondialdehyde (MDA), peptide YY (PYY), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were measured in serum and intestinal tissue. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The fecal score of pigs was increased (P < 0.05) by ETEC challenge at the post–challenge period. The ETEC challenge decreased (P < 0.05) jejunal villus height and crypt depth, tended to increase (P = 0.056) jejunal TNFα, increased (P < 0.05) ileal crypt depth, and decreased (P < 0.05) serum NPY. The probiotics decreased (P < 0.05) serum TNFα, tended to reduce (P = 0.064) jejunal MDA, tended to increase (P = 0.092) serum PYY, and increased (P < 0.05) jejunal villus height, and especially villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in challenged pigs. Growth performance of pigs were not affected by ETEC challenge, whereas the probiotics increased (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI and tended to increase (P = 0.069) G:F ratio. In conclusion, ETEC F18+ challenge caused diarrhea, intestinal inflammation and morphological damages without affecting the growth performance. The multispecies probiotics enhanced growth performance by reducing intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress, morphological damages.

Administration of Fermented Averrhoa bilimbi L. Fruit Filtrate on Growth, Hematological, Intestinal, and Carcass Indices of Broilers

The study investigated the effects of administration of graded levels of fermented Averrhoa bilimbi L. fruit filtrate in drinking water on the growth performance, hematological variables, intestinal ecology, and carcass characteristics of broilers. The experiment was arranged based on a completely randomized design. Two hundred day-old-Lohmann broiler chicks were randomly assigned into 4 treatment groups, each consisting of 5 replications with 10 chicks in each replication. The treatments were administration of fermented A. bilimbi L. fruit filtrate through drinking water at concentrations of 0% (CONT), 0.5% (FAB05), 1.0% (FAB1), and 2.0% (FAB2). Blood was sampled on days 21 and 33, while intestinal segments and digesta were collected on day 33. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved (p<0.05) with the increased concentrations of fermented filtrate in drinking water. Body weight, cumulative feed intake, and mortality of broilers were not affected by the treatments. On day 21, thrombocytes decreased (p<0.05) with the increased concentrations of fermented filtrate. On day 33, leukocytes and lymphocytes were lower (p<0.05) in treated chicks than in control. On day 21, the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased (p<0.05) with the enhanced fermented filtrate concentrations. On day 33, creatinine and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased (p<0.05) following the increased fermented filtrate concentration in drinking water. Fermented fruit filtrate increased (p<0.05) jejunal villi height and ileal crypt depth. Fermented filtrate also resulted in higher (p<0.05) pH values of jejunum. The Enterobacteriaceae counts in the ileum decreased (p<0.05) with the increased fermented filtrate concentration in drinking water. Fermented fruit filtrate decreased (p<0.05) the liver and caeca weights and increased (p<0.05) the proventriculus weight. In conclusion, administration of 2% of fermented A. bilimbi L. fruit filtrate (pH 1.83) through drinking water improved FCR, physiological condition, and intestinal ecology of broilers. The addition of fermented fruit filtrate up to 2% in drinking water did not exert a negative effect on the carcass characteristics of broilers.

Effects of Maternal Fiber Intake on Intestinal Morphology, Bacterial Profile and Proteome of Newborns Using Pig as Model.

Dietary fiber intake during pregnancy may improve offspring intestinal development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal high fiber intake during late gestation on intestinal morphology, microbiota, and intestinal proteome of newborn piglets. Sixteen sows were randomly allocated into two groups receiving the control diet (CD) and high-fiber diet (HFD) from day 90 of gestation to farrowing. Newborn piglets were selected from each litter, named as CON and Fiber group, respectively. Maternal high fiber intake did not markedly improve the birth weight, but increased the body length, the ileal crypt depth and colonic acetate level. In addition, maternal high fiber intake increased the α-diversity indices (Observed species, Simpson, and ACE), and the abundance of Acidobacteria and Bacteroidetes at phylum level, significantly increased the abundance of Bradyrhizobium and Phyllobacterium at genus level in the colon of newborn piglets. Moreover, maternal high fiber intake markedly altered the ileal proteome, increasing the abundances of proteins associated with oxidative status, energy metabolism, and immune and inflammatory responses, and decreasing abundances of proteins related to cellular apoptosis, cell structure, and motility. These findings indicated that maternal high fiber intake could alter intestinal morphology, along with the altered intestinal microbiota composition and proteome of offspring.

Short communication: Effect of delaying the first colostrum feeding on small intestinal histomorphology and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations in neonatal male Holstein calves

The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of delaying the first colostrum feeding on small intestinal histomorphology and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations, and the secondary objective was to characterize the ultrastructure of the small intestine of neonatal calves at 51 h of life. Twenty-seven male Holstein calves were fed pooled, pasteurized colostrum (7.5% of birth body weight; 62 g of IgG/L) at 45 min (0H, n = 9), 6 h (6H, n = 9), or 12 h (12H, n = 9) after birth. At 12 h after their respective colostrum feeding, calves were fed milk replacer at 2.5% of birth body weight per meal and every 6 h thereafter. Blood samples were collected every 6 h using a jugular catheter and analyzed for serum IGF-1 concentrations using an automated solid-phase chemiluminescent immunoassay. At 51 h of life, calves were euthanized to facilitate collection of the duodenum, proximal and distal jejunum, and ileum. All segments of the small intestine were assessed for histomorphology, whereas scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy analyses were conducted only for the proximal jejunum and ileum. The results revealed that there was no overall effect of colostrum feeding time on serum IGF-1 concentrations; however, serum IGF-1 concentrations were influenced by time. Specifically, concentrations of serum IGF-1 at 48 h were 29% greater than concentrations at 0 h of life (312.8 ± 14.85 vs. 241.9 ± 14.06 ng/mL). Although there was no overall effect of colostrum feeding time on all histomorphological measures assessed, treatment × segment interactions were observed. Villi height was 1.4 times greater in the distal jejunum of 0H calves than in 6H and 12H calves, and 0H calves tended to have 1.2 times greater ileal villus height than 12H calves. In addition, 0H calves had 1.2 and 1.3 times greater ileal crypt depth than 6H and 12H calves, respectively, and 1.3 times greater surface area index than 12H calves in the distal jejunum. Qualitative ultrastructural evaluation of small intestinal enterocytes conducted irrespective of colostrum treatment revealed the presence of large vacuoles of electron-dense material, apical mitochondria, and apical canalicular systems in the jejunum and ileum. These results indicate that the calf intestine at 51 h of life contains unique enterocyte characteristics similar to fetal enterocytes and that delaying colostrum feeding may negatively influence intestinal growth and development.

Dietary β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate improves intestinal function in weaned piglets after lipopolysaccharide challenge.

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on intestinal function of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged piglets. Forty weaned piglets were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The major factors were challenge (saline or LPS) and diet (basal diet or 0.6% HMB-Ca diet). After 15 d of treatment with LPS or HMB, blood and intestine samples were obtained. The results showed that in LPS-injected pigs, HMB supplementation significantly increased jejunal villus height and ileal villus height-to-crypt depth ratio and decreased ileal crypt depth (P < 0.05). HMB also improved intestinal function indicated by elevated activities of intestinal mucosal disaccharidase and tricarboxylic acid cycle key enzymes. Furthermore, HMB significantly downregulated mRNA expression of Sirt1 in jejunum and mRNA expression of AMPKα1 and Sirt1 in ileum (P < 0.05), with a concurrent decrease of AMPKα phosphorylation in jejunum and ileum. Microbiota analysis indicated that HMB supplementation significantly increased α-diversity and affected relative abundances of Romboutsia and Sarcina at the genus level, accompanied by increased concentrations of all short-chain fatty acids except propionate in the terminate ileum of LPS-injected piglets. Dietary HMB supplementation could improve intestinal integrity, function, microbiota communities, and short-chain fatty acid concentrations in LPS-challenged piglets, suggesting its potential usage as a feed additive in weaned piglets to alleviate intestinal dysfunction triggered by immune stress.

Effects of Early Intervention with Antibiotics and Maternal Fecal Microbiota on Transcriptomic Profiling Ileal Mucusa in Neonatal Pigs.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of early intervention with antibiotics and maternal fecal microbiota on ileal morphology and barrier function, and transcriptomic profiling in neonatal piglets. Piglets in the amoxicillin (AM), fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and control (CO) groups were orally administrated with amoxicillin solution (6.94 mg/mL), maternal fecal microbiota suspension [>109 colony forming unit (CFU)/mL], and physiological saline, respectively. Compared with the CO group, early intervention with AM or FMT significantly decreased ileal crypt depth on day 7 and altered gene expression profiles in ileum on days 7 and 21, and especially promoted the expression of chemokines (CCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL11) involved in the toll-like receptor signaling pathway on day 21. FMT changed major immune activities from B cell immunity on day 7 to T cell immunity on day 21 in the ileum. On the other hand, both AM and FMT predominantly downregulated the gene expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). In summary, both early interventions modulated intestinal barrier function and immune system in the ileum with a low impact on ileal morphology and development.

The growth performance, intestinal digestive and absorptive capabilities in piglets with different lengths of small intestines

The small intestine is an important digestive organ and plays a vital role in the life of a pig. We tested the hypothesis that the length of the small intestine is related to growth performance and intestinal functions of piglets. A total of 60 piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire), weaned at day 21, were fed an identical diet during a 28-day trial. At the end of the study, all piglets were sacrificed, dissected and grouped according to small intestine lengths (SILs), either short small intestine (SSI), middle small intestine (MSI) or long small intestine (LSI), respectively. Positive relationships between SIL and BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain-to-feed ratios (G : F) were observed. Final BW, ADG, ADFI and G : F significantly increased (P < 0.05) in MSI and LSI piglets compared with SSI piglets. Short small intestine and MSI had greater jejunal mucosa sucrase and alkaline phosphatase activities (P < 0.05) than LSI piglets. The mRNA level of solute carrier family 2 member 2 (Slc2a2) in the jejunal mucosa of SSI piglets was the greatest. The MSI piglets had a greater (P < 0.05) ileal villus height than other piglets and greater (P < 0.05) villus height-to-crypt depth ratios than LSI piglets. However, the LSI piglets had a greater (P < 0.05) ileal crypt depth than SSI piglets. No significant differences in duodenal, jejunal, caecal and colonic morphologies were detected among the groups. Moreover, luminal acetate, propionate, butyrate and total short-chain fatty acid contents were greater (P < 0.05) in SSI and MSI piglets than those in LSI piglets. In addition, there was greater serum glucose concentration in MSI piglets than other piglets. Serum albumin concentration in SSI piglets was the lowest. In conclusion, these results indicate that SIL was significantly positively associated with growth performance, and in terms of intestinal morphology and mucosal digestive enzyme activity, the piglets with a medium length of small intestine have better digestion and absorption properties.

Effects of Oral Administration of Lactobacillus reuteri on Mucosal Barrier Function in the Digestive Tract of Broiler Chicks.

Probiotic bacteria are known for their beneficial effects on the intestinal immune function of the host animal. However, their effects on mucosal barrier function in chicks are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus reuteri (LR), on the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier function of broiler chicks. One day-old male broiler chicks were orally injected water (300 µL) with or without 1 × 108 cfu of LR (5 mg FINELACT, Asahi Calpis Wellness Co. Ltd.) every morning for 7 days (day 0 to 6). The crop, duodenum, ileum, and cecum were collected on day 7 and were used for histological analysis and RNA extraction. Then, the thickness of the mucosal structures and the number of goblet cells in the digestive tract were assessed using histological analysis. The expression of Mucin 2, factors related to the formation of tight junctions (Claudin1, 5, and 16, ZO2, and JAM2), cytokines (IL-6, CXCLi2, and IL-10), and avian β-defensin 10 (AvBDs) (AvBD2, 10, and 12) in the crop, duodenum, ileum, and cecum were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results showed that oral administration of LR increased ileal villus height and crypt depth, decreased Claudin16 level in the crop and increased JAM2 level in the crop and ileum, and decreased the expression of AvBD10 in the ileum and cecum and that of AvBD12 in the crop. It did not affect goblet cell number and Mucin 2 expression. These results suggested that LR used in this study may enhance mucosal barrier function by regulating tight junctions in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Prebiotics Fructo-, Galacto-, and Mannan-Oligosaccharide Do Not Protect against 5-Fluorouracil–Induced Intestinal Mucositis in Rats

Prebiotics selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract, and have been investigated in human and animal studies for their capacity to improve intestinal health. We investigated the prebiotics fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), and mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) for their potential to alleviate intestinal damage in rats. Female Dark Agouti rats (6-8 wk old, 110-150 g) were allocated to 1 of the following treatment groups (n=8/group): saline/water, saline/FOS, saline/GOS, saline/MOS, 5-fluorouracil (5FU)/water, 5FU/FOS, 5FU/GOS, and 5FU/MOS. Rats were pretreated with either 5% GOS, MOS, or FOS or vehicle (water) from day -12 to day 0. On day 0, rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of saline or 5FU. Metabolic data were recorded daily and all rats were killed on day 3. Histopathology was quantified in hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections. Intestinal sucrase and myeloperoxidase activity were quantified by biochemical assay. Fecal SCFAs-acetic, propionic, and butyric acid-were also measured. Statistical analysis was by repeated-measures, 2-factor ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test; P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Body weight was significantly decreased in all treatment groups after 5FU injection, with no change in body weight observed in any prebiotic treatment group. Total food intake was lower by ≥7% in the GOS treatment group pre-5FU than in all other groups (P<0.05). Ileal villus height was 18% higher in GOS-treated rats pre-5FU than in respective water controls (P<0.05). Jejunal and ileal villus height and crypt depth were significantly decreased in all treatment groups after 5FU injection, with no prebiotic effect observed. SCFAs were differentially increased in prebiotic treatment groups compared with water-only controls (P<0.05). FOS, GOS, and MOS have differential effects in modifying small intestinal pathology and SCFA profiles in rats with healthy and damaged small intestinal mucosa.

Dietary mannan oligosaccharide ameliorates cyclic heat stress-induced damages on intestinal oxidative status and barrier integrity of broilers

This study investigated protective effects of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) inclusion on growth performance, intestinal oxidative status, and barrier integrity of cyclic heat-stressed broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old chicks were allocated into 3 treatments of 10 replicates each. Control broilers reared at a thermoneutral temperature were fed a basal diet, whereas broilers in heat stress and MOS groups raised at a cyclic high temperature (32 to 33°C for 8 h/d) were given the basal diet supplemented with 0 or 250mg/kg MOS, respectively. Compared with control group, heat stress decreased (P < 0.05) average daily gain and feed conversion ratio during grower, finisher, and entire periods, average daily feed intake during finisher and entire periods, and ileal superoxide dismutase activity at 42 D, whereas increased (P < 0.05) rectal temperature at 21 and 42 D and jejunal malondialdehyde content at 42 D. Dietary MOS increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio during finisher and entire periods, but decreased (P < 0.05) jejunal malondialdehyde concentration of heat-stressed broilers at 42 D. Heat stress decreased (P < 0.05) jejunal villus height (VH) and claudin-3 gene expression at 21 D, and VH and VH: crypt depth (CD) ratio in jejunum and ileum as well as mRNA abundances of jejunal mucin 2 and occludin, and ileal mucin 2, zonula occludens-1, and occludin, and claudin-3 at 42 D, whereas increased (P < 0.05) serum D-lactate acid content at 21 and 42 D, and serum diamine oxidase activity and jejunal CD at 42 D. The MOS supplementation increased (P < 0.05) jejunal VH at 21 D, VH and VH: CD of jejunum and ileum at 42 D, mRNA abundances of jejunal occludin and ileal mucin 2, zonula occludens-1, and occludin at 42 D, whereas reduced (P < 0.05) ileal CD at 42 D. These results suggested that MOS improved growth performance, and oxidative status and barrier integrity in the intestine of broilers under cyclic heat stress.

Characteristics of the gut microbiota colonization, inflammatory profile, and plasma metabolome in intrauterine growth restricted piglets during the first 12 hours after birth.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) predisposes newborns to inflammatory and metabolic disturbance. Disequilibrium of gut microbiota in early life has been implicated in the incidence of inflammation and metabolic diseases in adulthood. This study aimed to investigate the difference in gut microbiota colonization, cytokines and plasma metabolome between IUGR and normal birth weight (NBW) piglets in early life. At birth, reduced (P < 0.05) body, jejunum, and ileum weights, as well as decreased (P < 0.05) small intestinal villi and increased (P < 0.05) ileal crypt depth were observed in IUGR piglets compared with their NBW counterparts. Imbalanced inflammatory and plasma metabolome profile was observed in IUGR piglets. Furthermore, altered metabolites were mainly involved in fatty acid metabolism and inflammatory response. At 12 h after birth and after suckling colostrum, reduced (P < 0.05) postnatal growth and the small intestinal maturation retardation (P < 0.05) continued in IUGR piglets in comparison with those in NBW littermates. Besides, the gut microbiota structure was significantly altered by IUGR. Importantly, the disruption of the inflammatory profile and metabolic status mainly involved the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IFN-γ) and amino acid metabolism. Moreover, spearman correlation analysis showed that the increased abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and decreased abundance of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 in IUGR piglets was closely associated with the alterations of slaughter weight, intestinal morphology, inflammatory cytokines, and plasma metabolites. Collectively, IUGR significantly impairs small intestine structure, modifies gut microbiota colonization, and disturbs inflammatory and metabolic profiles during the first 12 h after birth. The unbalanced gut microbiota mediated by IUGR contributes to the development of inflammation and metabolic diseases.

Effects of coccidial vaccination and dietary antimicrobial alternatives on the growth performance, internal organ development, and intestinal morphology of Eimeria-challenged male broilers

Effects of the coccidial vaccination and dietary antimicrobial alternatives on growth performance, internal organ development, and intestinal morphology of male broilers subjected to an Eimeria challenge were determined. A total of 1,120 one d-old Ross × Ross 708 male broilers were randomly distributed to 80 floor pens (10 treatments, 8 replication pens/treatment, and 14 chicks/pen). A 2 × 5 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to determine the main and interaction effects of the coccidial vaccination (vaccinated or non-vaccinated) and the dietary additive [1) corn and soybean-meal basal diet, 2) basal diet + antimicrobials (bacitracin and salinomycin), 3) basal diet + probiotics (3 Bacillus subtilis strains), 4) basal diet + prebiotics (mannan-oligosaccharides and β-glucans), and 5) basal diet + probiotics + prebiotics]. To mimic the Eimeria challenge, all chicks were gavaged with a 20x dose of a different coccidial vaccine (live Eimeria oocysts) at Day 14. The coccidial vaccination decreased Day 0-14 and 29-42 BW gain (BWG) and subsequently decreased Day 0-56 BWG. Broilers fed diets with antimicrobials exhibited the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the periods of Day 0-14 and 15-28, the shallowest ileal crypt depth on Day 28, and the lowest relative duodenum weight on Day 28 and 42. The Pre+Pro diets helped the broilers to reach a lower overall FCR than did the Pro alone diets and helped the broilers reach a FCR similar to that of the Anti diets. However, broilers fed diets supplemented with prebiotics and probiotics exhibited the deepest intestinal crypt depth on Day 28. There was no interaction between coccidial vaccination and dietary additive on growth performance or any carcass yield. In conclusion, antimicrobial additives might reduce the intestinal size of broilers; whereas prebiotic and B. subtilis-based probiotic additives might promote the growth of several digestive organs. Prebiotics can be safely used with B. subtilis-probiotics in broiler feed without compromising feed conversion ability.

Comparative effects of n-hexane and methanol extracts of elecampane (Inula helenium L.) rhizome on growth performance, carcass traits, feed digestibility, intestinal antioxidant status and ileal microbiota in broiler chickens

ABSTRACTIn this study, the effects of dietary methanol and n-hexane extracts of elecampane rhizome (MEER and HEER, respectively) on growth performance, apparent ileal nutrient digestibility (AID), ileal microbiota, intestinal morphology and antioxidant status of the intestinal mucosa were compared in broiler chickens. In total, 450 1-d-old male chicks were allotted into five groups in six replicates of 15 chicks each. Dietary treatments included: a control, control plus 500 or 1000 mg MEER per kg diet (MEER500 and MEER1000) and control plus 500 or 1000 mg HEER per kg diet (HEER500 and HEER1000). Broiler performance was not affected by dietary treatments during the starter and grower periods. However, in the finisher (25–42 d) and entire (1–42 d) periods, an increase in body weight gain and a corresponding decrease in feed conversion ratio was noticed when birds received Diets MEER1000 or HEER1000. Also, considering the entire trial, the growth-promoting action of MEER was found to be greater than HEER. When compared with the control, AID of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract (EE) and gross energy (GE) were increased by all treatments, while the AID of EE and GE were also improved by increased extract level. Additionally, HEER groups had significantly increased AID of crude protein. The counts of Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. were suppressed while the number of Lactobacillus spp. increased in response to an elevated extract level. Meanwhile, the ileum of MEER groups contained lower numbers of Clostridium spp. and greater numbers of Lactobacillus spp. when compared with HEER groups. The duodenal and jejunal structures were not associated with dietary treatments. However, a decreased ileal crypt depth and an increased villus to crypt ratio were observed with addition of extracts, which was more intense with MEER. A lower malondialdehyde content and a higher activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were detected in duodenal and jejunal mucosa with increased extract level, and in jejunum, the antioxidant capability of MEER was found to be stronger than HEER. The antioxidant properties of the ileal mucosa were also improved in response to MEER, which was not observed after HEER inclusion. Overall, MEER seems to be a better choice of treatment owing to its more effective benefits on broiler performance, ileal microbiota, gut morphology and antioxidant ability of the intestinal mucosa.

Effects of a Commercial Beta-Mannanase Product on Growth Performance, Intestinal Histomorphology, Bone and Body Composition, and Amino Acid Digestibility in White Pekin Ducks

SUMMARY Two experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of a commercial β-mannanase in duck diets 1–21 d. Both experiments included 0%, 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% of β-mannanase treatments. Experimental units of 5 birds per pen were replicated 8 times in 4 different rooms. The data were analyzed as a 2 (Experiment) × 5 (Treatment) × 8 (Replicate) factorial analysis. Body weight of all β-mannanase groups was ∼66 g and ∼79 g greater than control fed birds at day 14 and 21, respectively. All β-mannanase groups had an average of 0.1, 0.14, and 0.08 lower feed conversion than controls at day 7, 14, and 21, respectively. Productivity index increased over controls by an average of 41, 81, and 48 on day 7, 14, and 21, respectively. Illeal length of all β-mannanase groups was greater than controls, and the 0.01% and 0.05% β-mannanase groups had ∼0.66 lower ileal viscosity than controls. Ducks fed 0.10% β-mannanase had greater ileal villi height than control, 0.01%, and 0.20% β-mannanase groups. Feeding diets with 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.20% β-mannanase resulted in greater ileal villi width compared to controls. These treatments had greater ileal crypt depth than control and 0.05% β-mannanase groups. All β-mannanase treated groups had greater amino acid digestibility than controls. β-Mannanase at 0.10% resulted in a lower percentage of fat and greater bone strength than control and 0.20% β-mannanase. This study demonstrated that addition of β-mannanase positively affects duck growth performance, gut morphology, and digestibility.

Beneficial Effects of Non-Conventional Feedstuffs on Carcass Characteristics And Ileal Mucosal Morphology of Finisher Pigs

This study investigated differences in carcass characteristics and ileal mucosal morphology in pigs offered 4 isocaloric grower-finisher diets formulated using non-conventional feedstuffs from 99-180 days of age upon which barrows were slaughtered. The diets consisted of a basal maize-soybean meal diet, a 20% cold-pressed canola meal diet, 20% rice polishing diet and 20% rice bran diet. The 20% rice polishing diet resulted in a higher (p≤0.05) average daily gain compared to pigs on the basal diet. Rice polishing diet resulted in an increase in killing-out percent, 24.5% increase in loin eye area which implied better lean tissue deposition and a 19.3% decrease in villous height, and noted increases were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05). The 20% rice bran diet resulted in a higher (p≤0.05) average daily gain compared to pigs on the basal diet and larger loin eye size (p ≤ 0.05) implying better lean tissue deposition. Ileal villi were significantly longer (p ≤ 0.05) in in pigs fed rice bran diet and was attributed to higher dietary fibre. The 20% Canola meal diet increased (p ≤ 0.05) back-fat thickness and an increase (p ≤ 0.05) in ileal crypt depth. The study concludes that high NDF rice bran has reduces backfat and increases gut surface area thereby improving utilisation of dietary fibre. Low protein non-conventional feedstuff in finisher pigs had beneficial effects on ileal epithilia. Further studies on the role of dietary lipids and glycosinolates commonly present in Canola meal on changes in intestinal epithelial morphology should be done.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis and zinc on the growth performance, internal organ development, and intestinal morphology of male broilers with or without subclinical coccidia challenge.

Effects of antibiotic (bacitracin), anticoccidial (narasin), and alternative (Bacillus subtilis and zinc) feed additives on growth performance, internal organ development, and intestinal morphology of commercial broilers with or without subclinical coccidia challenge were determined. A total of 1,344 1-day-old male Ross × Ross 708 broilers were randomly distributed into 12 treatments (6 diets × 2 challenge treatments, 8 replication pens/treatment) in 96 floor pens. The 6 dietary treatments were as follows: a control diet (corn and soybean-meal basal diet), a probiotic diet (basal diet + Bacillus subtilis), a zinc diet (basal diet + 100ppm zinc), a probiotic and zinc combined diet, an anticoccidial diet (basal diet + narasin), and a practical diet (basal diet + narasin + bacitracin). On day 21, each chick in the challenge treatment was gavaged with a 10× dose of a commercial vaccine containing live Eimeria oocytes, whereas each chick in the non-challenge treatment was gavaged with equivalent distilled water. The subclinical coccidia challenge increased the relative weights of pancreas and decreased the ileal crypt depth of broilers at 26 d of age, increased feed conversion ratios from day 15 to 28 and 29 to 40, and increased the relative weights of duodenum and bursa on day 54. As compared to other diets, anticoccidial and practical diets increased BW gain and decreased feed conversion ratio from day 15 to 28, and increased the day 40 carcass weights. As compared to control diets, probiotic diets decreased BW gain and increased the mortality from day 15 to 28; however, probiotic diets did not affect the overall growth performance from day 0 to 54 or carcass yield on day 54. Growth measurements during periods of day 29 to 40 and day 41 to 54 were not affected by any feed additive. From this study, a subclinical coccidia challenge enlarged specific internal organs and compromised the feed conversion ability of broilers. Dietary Bacillus subtilis did not affect overall growth rate or carcass yield of broilers under subclinical coccidia challenge.

Effect of in-ovo injection of glucose and egg white protein on the production performance and gut histomorphometry of broiler chicken

A biological trial was carried out to investigate the effect of in ovo injection of glucose and egg white protein on the production performance and gut histomorphometry of broilers. 500 hatching eggs with uniform weight (68±1g) were randomly allotted to five treatment groups each with five replicates of 20 eggs each and incubated. The eggs were injected with one of the following nutrient solutions on 18th day of incubation viz. 0.5 ml of 25 % glucose (T3), 0.5 ml of 12% egg white protein (T4), 0.5 ml of 25 % glucose + egg white protein 12% (T5) into the amnion along this100 eggs served as non injected control (T1) and 100 eggs injected with normal saline (T2) which also served as sham control. The hole was sealed and the period of incubation was continued till 21st day. After hatching, 400 chicks were randomized in to five treatments of five replicates each with 16 chicks. Data on hatchability, hatch weight, bi-weekly body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, FCR and villi height, width, crypt depth of duodenum, jejunum and ileum were recorded and analysed statistically for significant difference. Results revealed that in ovo injection of glucose, egg white protein and their combination significantly (P less than 0.05) increased hatchability, chick weight, body weight and livability. However, the feed consumption was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher in glucose, egg white protein and glucose + egg white protein injected birds compared to non injected control and sham groups. The FCR was significantly (P less than 0.05) improved in all in ovo injected groups compared to control and sham. In ovo feeding significantly (P less than 0.05) increased the duodenal, jejuna and ileal villi height, width and crypt depth (P less than 0.01) compared to control birds. In ovo injection of glucose and EWP either alone or in combination improved the productive performance, gut histomorphology and net profit of the broilers.

Effect of dietary fructooligosaccharide supplementation on internal organs Salmonella colonization, immune response, ileal morphology, and ileal immunohistochemistry in laying hens challenged with Salmonella enteritidis

A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in controlling the infection of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) in White Leghorns. A total of 30 laying hens (white leghorns W-36) were challenged both orally and cloacally with approximately 108 colony-forming units of nalidxic acid resistant SE (SENAR) and divided into 3 treatments: 1) SENAR challenged + 0.0% FOS, 2) SENAR challenged + 0.5% FOS (Nutraflora), and 3) SENAR challenged + 1.0% FOS. SENAR recovery via fecal shedding was measured at 3- and 6-d post-infection (dpi), whereas in the ceca and internal organs, SENAR recovery was measured at 7-d post-infection. In the first experiment, there was a 1.0 log10 and a 1.3 log10 reduction in cecal SENAR by supplementation of FOS at 0.5 and 1.0%, respectively. In the second experiment, there was a 0.6 log10 and a 0.8 log10 reduction in cecal SENAR by supplementation of FOS at 0.5 and 1.0%, respectively. Fecal shedding was significantly lower in 1.0% FOS supplemented groups compared to SENAR challenge 0.0% FOS. There was no significant difference among the 3 treatments on SENAR recovery in liver with gall bladder and ovaries. However, the frequency of positive SENAR in the ovaries (10 to 40%) in SENAR challenge 0.0% FOS was significantly lower than liver with gall bladder (60 to 80%) in both experiments. There was a significant upregulation of toll-like receptor-4 in 1.0% FOS and interferon gamma in both 0.5 and 1.0% FOS. Histologic measurements of ileal villi height and crypt depth were similar across all treatments. Immunohistochemistry analyses of ileal samples showed that immunoglobulin A positive cells increased as FOS concentration increased reaching significance at 1.0% as well as altered cytokine gene expression in the ileum. Further, FOS supplementation also reduced cecal SENAR and feces SENAR levels. Collectively, the results suggest that dietary supplementation with FOS may impair SE pathogenesis while modulating humoral immunity within the gut-associated lymphoid tissue.

The Effect of Hepatocyte Growth Factor on Intestinal Adaption in an Experimental Model of Short Bowel Syndrome

Introduction Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a relatively uncommon syndrome which is defined as the functional loss of the 75% of normal short bowel length at least. To date, the standard therapy is the administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). However, long-term complications in patients with protracted PN are occurred. Intestinal transplantation is a potentially life-saving treatment for patients with severe SBS; its increased morbidity and mortality rates imply a careful preoperative consideration though. Moreover, the lack of compatible donor organs may delay significantly the transplantation. As a result, alternative therapies, like the administration of growth factors, in order to enhance intestinal adaptation acting as a bridge to transplantation have been emerged. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on structural intestinal adaptation, cell proliferation and apoptosis in a rat model of short bowel syndrome (SBS). Materials and Methods Thirty Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into three groups, sham rats underwent bowel transection (group A); SBS rats underwent a 75% bowel resection (group B); and SBS/HGF rats underwent bowel resection and were treated with HGF (75 μg/kg/d) (group C) starting at fourth postoperative day. All rats were sacrificed at 15th postoperative day. Parameters of intestinal adaptation (body weight, villus height and crypt depth in jejunum and ileum), enterocyte proliferation and enterocyte apoptosis were determined. A microarray analysis of RNA extracted from ileal samples was also carried out. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA test, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results Treatment with HGF (group C rats) resulted in significant increase in body weight compared to SBS rats (group B). The histopathologic analysis showed that jejunal and ileal villus height and crypt depth were significantly increased in HGF/SBS rats compared to SBS rats (36%, P<0.05 and 27%, P<0.05 respectively), showing that treatment with HGF enhanced the intestinal adaptation making intestinal absorption more efficient. Enterocyte proliferation was also significantly increased in HGF rats (21% P<0.05) compared to SBS rats; however we did not found any significant differences in enterocyte apoptosis rate between HGF/SBS and SBS rats. These findings indicate the augmentation of intestinal hyperplasia through HGF therapy. Microarray analysis of 22 genes showed that 12 genes were significantly up-regulated, and four genes were down-regulated in HGF/SBS rats compared to SBS rats; of note, some of these genes are involved in enterocyte proliferation/apoptosis pathway, indicating also that HGF therapy induces cell proliferation. Conclusion HGF emerges as a growth factor that enhances intestinal adaptation in patients with short bowel syndrome. A future use of HGF may facilitate the prolonged TPN therapy while patients wait for intestinal transplantation.