Intestinal Histomorphometry Research Articles

Impact of buffered sodium butyrate as a partial or total dietary alternative to lincomycin on performance, IGF-1 and TLR4 genes expression, serum indices, intestinal histomorphometry, Clostridia, and litter hygiene of broiler chickens

BackgroundSodium butyrate (SB) is a short-chain fatty acid and a safe antibiotic alternative. During 35 days, this study compared the impact of coated SB (Butirex C4) and lincomycin (Lincomix) on broiler growth, gut health, and litter hygiene in 1200 one-day-old Ross-308 broiler chicks that were randomly assigned into 5-dietary groups with 5-replications each. Groups divided as follows: T1: Basal diet (control), T2: Basal diet with buffered SB (1 kg/ton starter feed, 0.5 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds), T3: Basal diet with 100 g/ton lincomycin, T4: Basal diet with buffered SB (0.5 kg/ton starter feed, 0.25 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds) + 50 g/ton lincomycin, and T5: Basal diet with buffered SB (1 kg/ton starter feed, 0.5 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds) + 50 g/ton lincomycin. Birds were housed in a semi-closed deep litter house, where feed and water were available ad libitum. Results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests.ResultsCombined dietary supplementation with SB and lincomycin (T4 and T5) significantly enhanced body weights, weight gains, feed conversion ratio, and profitability index. Also, carcasses in T4 and T5 exhibited the highest dressing, breast, thigh, and liver yields. T5 revealed the best blood biochemical indices, while T3 showed significantly elevated liver and kidney function indices. T4 and T5 exhibited the highest expression levels of IGF-1 and TLR4 genes, the greatest villi length of the intestinal mucosa, and the lowest levels of litter moisture and nitrogen. Clostridia perfringens type A alpha-toxin gene was confirmed in birds’ caeca, with the lowest clostridial counts defined in T4.ConclusionsReplacing half the dose of lincomycin (50 g/ton) with 0.5 or 1 kg/ton coated SB as a dietary supplement mixture showed the most efficient privileges concerning birds’ performance and health.

Effect of Spirulina platensis on growth, hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Spirulina platensis in Nile tilapia diets on growth performance, blood hematological and biochemical parameters, immunological status, and intestinal histomorphometry. A total of 228 fish were randomly allocated into four groups with triplicates (19 fish per replicate). The first group was fed the control diet, which contained no Spirulina supplementation. The other three groups were fed diets containing graded levels of powdered Spirulina: 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0% in the second, third, and fourth group, respectively. S. platensis was added to the diets partially substituting the fish meal content. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The results showed that dietary Spirulina supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the body weight and length, weight gain, specific growth rate, condition factor, and feed conversion efficiency. Moreover, Spirulina increased significantly (P < 0.05) the hemoglobin, PCV, RBCs, and WBCs count. Also, it increased the lymphocytes, eosinophils, IgM level, lysozyme activity, and phagocytic activity in the blood. Additionally, the Spirulina raised (P < 0.05) the serum albumin level but reduced (P < 0.05) the creatinine and urea levels. The addition of Spirulina increased (P < 0.05) the height and width of intestinal villi and the lymphocytes and goblet cells count in the intestine. The obtained results were increased by increasing the inclusion level of Spirulina, especially for body weight and length, weight gain, FCR, phagocytic activity, and intestinal parameters. In conclusion, supplementing S. platensis can improve the growth performance of fish. Moreover, it can stimulate the immunity of fish through increasing the level of immunological blood indicators (IgM, lysozyme, phagocytic activity, lymphocytes, and eosinophils) as well as the local intestinal immunity (lymphocytes and goblet cells). So, it can be recommended to use S. platensis in fish diets not only to improve the growth performance but also to enhance the immune status.

Improvement in growth performance and digestive function from amniotic injections of N-acetylglutamate in broiler chickens.

N-acetylglutamate (NAG) is the initial and essectial substrate in the process of de novo arginine synthesis, plays an important role in intestinal development. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of in ovo feeding of NAG, 1.5 mg/egg at 17.5 days of incubation (DOI) via amnion, on hatching performance, early intestinal histomorphometry, jejunal barrier, digestive function, and growth performance of broiler chickens between 1 and 14 days of age. Amniotic injection of NAG had no significant effect on hatching characteristics compared with the non-injected control group (NC group). Birds in the NAG solution-injected group (NAG group) exhibited lower average daily feed intake and better feed efficiency during a period of 1-14 days. In comparison with the NC group, the NAG group had decreased crypt depth (CD) in the ileum and increased villus height (VH) / CD in the jejunum at 7 days, and decreased CD in duodenum and significantly increased VH in the jejunum at 14 days. However, the effects of in ovo supplementation with NAG on the density of goblet cells, and gene expression of mucin 2 and alkaline phosphatase were not significant. Chicks in the NAG group had a significantly higher mRNA expression level of trypsin and maltase in jejunum at 7 days than the NC group but not at 14 days. Amniotic injections of NAG (1.5 mg/egg) at 17.5 DOI could improve early growth performance of broilers during 1-14 days after hatching by accelerating the development of the intestine and enhancing jejunal digestive function. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Replacement of Artemia franciscana Nauplii by Moina minuta Neonates as Live Food on the Larviculture of Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare -Schultze, 1823) and Severum (Heros severus - Heckel, 1840)

The present study aimed to assess the potential substitution of Artemia franciscana nauplii with Moina minuta neonates as the initial feed for angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) and severum (Heros severus), evaluating the fish growth performance, live food cost, and intestinal histomorphometry. To achieve this goal, two separate experiments were carried out for each species during 20 days, using 200 postlarvae. Both experimental designs consisted of five treatments, namely, 100% A. franciscana nauplii (A100-M0); 75% A. franciscana nauplii and 25% M. minuta neonates (A75-M25); 50% A. franciscana nauplii and 50% M. minuta neonates (A50-M50); 25% A. franciscana nauplii and 75% M. minuta neonates (A25-M75); and 100% M. minuta neonates (A0-M100), with four replications (10 postlarvae per repetition). Angelfish postlarvae fed with A100-M0, A75-M25, A50-M50, and A25-M75 had better values of final length (13.31 mm, 14.15 mm, 13.32 mm, and 13.32 mm), gain in length (7.91 mm, 8.75 mm, 7.92 mm, and 7.92 mm), and length-specific growth rate (4.51% day−1, 4.82% day−1, 4.51% day−1, and 4.51% day−1). In the case of severum postlarvae, the highest length growth performance occurred in those fed with A100-M0 (15.86 mm, 8.90 mm, and 4.12% day−1), A75-M25 (15.45 mm, 8.49 mm, and 3.99% day−1), and A50-M50 (14.78 mm, 7.82 mm, and 3.76% day−1). Both species (angelfish and severum postlarvae) fed with A100-M0 and A75-M25 presented higher values of final weight (28.88 mg and 34.49 mg; 55.84 mg and 53.95 mg), gain in weight (27.56 mg and 33.08 mg; 51.03 mg and 49.14 mg), and weight-specific growth rate (15.42% day−1 and 16.30% day−1; 12.26% day−1 and 12.09% day−1). Live food cost for angelfish and severum postlarvae was higher in A100-M0 (US$ 0.92 and US$ 1.08) and lower for the ones in A0-M100 (US$ 0.36 and US$ 0.35). Severum postlarvae fed with A100-M0 (57.20 µm), A75-M25 (55.66 µm), and A50-M50 (54.27 µm) presented the highest intestinal villi heights. Thus, partial replacement of A. franciscana nauplii by M. minuta neonates in the proportion of A75-M25 or 100A-0M is viable and effective during the first feed of these fish species.

Protected sodium butyrate in chicken diets until 21 days of age improves intestinal development and performance

This study was developed to examine the performance, carcass and cut yields, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal histomorphometry of chickens fed diets supplemented with protected sodium butyrate until 21 days of age. Two experiments were conducted, both of which involved the following treatments: basal diet with inclusion of an antibiotic; basal diet without antibiotic or protected sodium butyrate (PSB; control); basal diet with inclusion of 225 g/t PSB in the pre-starter and starter phases; and basal diet with inclusion of 300 g/t PSB in the pre-starter and starter phases. In the first experiment, 784 male broiler chicks were distributed into the four treatments, with seven replicates of 28 birds, to evaluate performance and carcass and cut yields. In experiment II, 280 male broiler chicks were distributed into the four treatments, with seven replicates of 10 birds, to evaluate intestinal digestibility and histomorphometry. At 42 days of age, the broilers supplemented with 225 g/t PSB had a higher average final weight than the control group. At seven days, the chickens supplemented with 300 g/t PSB exhibited the highest duodenal villus height; those supplemented with 225 or 300g/t PSB or antibiotic showed the greatest jejunal villus height; and those treated with 225 g/t PSB exhibited the highest jejunal villus/crypt ratio. At 21 days of age, the broilers that received 225 g/t PSB showed the highest duodenal and jejunal villus height. The use of protected sodium butyrate in chicken diets up to 21 days of age improves intestinal development and performance until slaughter age.

Effect of dietary nano α-tocopherol acetate plus selenium on productivity, immune status, intestinal morphometry and carcass traits of broiler chicken

Background: Nano-vitamins and minerals are used in animal nutrition to improve performance and health of broiler chickens as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. Objective: To evaluate the effect of several levels of a dietary nano α-tocopherol acetate plus selenium compound (NTS) on growth, intestinal histomorphometry, carcass traits, and immune status of broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 240 one-day-old Ross 308 chickens were randomly divided into four groups, each one with three pens (n=20 per pen). Four doses of nano α-tocopherol acetate and selenium (0, 5, 7, and 10 mg/kg) were included in the basal diet for 42 days. Results: Final body weight, cumulative body weight gain, and final conversion ratio significantly improved with increasing NTS levels (p&lt;0.05). Carcass traits and weight of internal organs increased in the groups fed 7 and 10 mg/kg NTS. High NTS doses significantly increased immune vaccine titers against Newcastle disease, avian influenza virus, infectious bursal disease, and infectious bronchitis. Moreover, dietary addition of NTS improved intestinal morphometry. Conclusion: Thus, NTS (7 and 10 mg/kg) can be added to poultry rations to improve production, carcass characteristics, and immune status of broilers. Further studies are needed to evaluate NTS residues in meat.

Modulation of Immunity, Antioxidant Status, Performance, Blood Hematology, and Intestinal Histomorphometry in Response to Dietary Inclusion of Origanum majorana in Domestic Pigeons’ Diet

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding Origanum majorana (OM) powder to domestic pigeon diets on growth performance, feeding and drinking behaviour, blood hematology, blood biochemical parameters, blood inflammatory and oxidative markers, carcass characteristics, the weights of lymphoid organs, and and intestinal cecal, and bursa of Fabricius histology. A random distribution of fifty-four unsexed pigeon squabs (30 days old, average body weight; 321 g ± 7.5) into three groups was done. The first group was fed the grower basal diet without adding OM powder, while OM powder was added at levels of 0.5 and 1% to the basal diets of the second and third groups, respectively. The changes in growth performance parameters and feeding and drinking behavior under OM powder's effect were insignificant. However, the lymphoid organs (spleen and thymus) significantly increased in weight (p < 0.05) in the OM-fed groups. Moreover, blood examination showed positive responses to OM powder in terms of blood cell counts (RBCs andWBCs), and the values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, lymphocyte numbers, levels of globulin, and glutathione peroxidase enzyme were significantly increased. The numbers of heterophils, the ratio of heterophil to lymphocyte, malondialdehyde levels were reduced (p < 0.05). Histomorphometry examination revealed increases in intestinal villi height, cecal thickness, and bursal follicle area and number. These results indicated that adding OM powder to the pigeon diet may improve their immunity, increase their antioxidant status, and correct some hematological disorders.

Effect of probiotics and rice on ileal microbial count and intestinal morphometry in broiler chicken

An experiment was conducted in the Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy to find out the effect of probiotics and rice on ileal microbial count and intestinal morphometry in broiler chicken for a period of 42 days. A total of 144, day-old Ven Cobb 430 Y broiler chicks were allotted randomly to six dietary treatment groups with three replicates of eight birds each. The treatment groups were T1-standard broiler ration (SBR1), T2- SBR1 with 0.05 per cent probiotic mixture, T3- SBR1 with 0.1 per cent probiotic mixture, T4- 50 per cent of maize from SBR1 replaced by rice (SBR2), T5- SBR2 with 0.05 per cent probiotic mixture and T6- SBR2 with 0.1 per cent probiotic mixture. The dietary inclusion of rice did not affect the E. coli count and ileal pH. However the coliform count was significantly (p&lt;0.01) lower in group fed rice based diet supplemented with 0.1 per cent probiotics and the E. faecalis count was significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher in rice fed group without probiotic supplementation than corn fed group without probiotic supplementation. The probiotic supplementation at 0.1 per cent level significantly (p&lt;0.01) reduced the E. coli and coliform counts in both rice and corn based diets. The E. faecalis count and ileal pH was significantly (p&lt;0.01) reduced by probiotics at 0.05 and 0.1 per cent levels in corn based as well as rice based diets. The dietary inclusion of rice in broiler diet significantly increased (p&lt;0.01) the ileal villi height in the non-supplemented group. The ileal VH:CD ratio was significantly (p&lt;0.01) increased in rice fed groups compared to corn fed groups. The supplementation of probiotics in both rice and corn based diets significantly (p&lt;0.01) increased the villi height of duodenum, jejunum and ileum and VH: CD ratio in jejunum and ileum. It could be concluded that the dietary supplementation of probiotics at 0.1 per cent level was effective in reducing the intestinal E. coli, coliform count, E. faecalis count, ileal pH and improving the intestinal histo-morphometry. Dietary replacement of 50 per cent corn by rice had no significant effect on these parameters.

Effects of Bee Pollen on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota and Histomorphometry in African Catfish.

This study aimed to determine the dietary effects of honeybee pollen (BP) on growth parameters, intestinal microbiota, hepatic histoarchitecture, and intestinal histomorphometry of African catfish Clarias gariepinus juveniles. The feeding experiment was carried out in a recirculating aquaculture system under controlled conditions for 21 days to achieve more than a 10-fold increase in weight in fish from the control group. Fish were fed well-balanced commercial feed without any supplements and served as a reference group (group C) and other diets enriched with varying BP levels as 1% (BP1), 2% (BP2), and 3% (BP3). Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) effect of the dietary BP not only on the growth parameters (such as final body weight: 5.0 g to 6.6−7.5 g, weight gain: 0.23 g/d to 0.31−0.35 g/d, body length: 84.7 mm to 93.8−95.9 mm, and specific growth rate: 11.7%/d to 13.1−13.7%/d, group C vs. experimental groups, respectively) but also on the development of beneficially important gut microbiota, such as lactic acid-producing bacteria. In BP-enriched groups, an average of 45% higher body weight gain was observed compared to those reared in the control group. The histological analysis showed that dietary BP may have a positive effect on the development of the intestinal tract and may enhance the absorption of nutrients with the potential ability to maintain a normal hepatic histoarchitecture of the treated African catfish. The results obtained suggest the optimum level of BP additive to feed for African catfish should be 1%.

Dietary mixed Bacillus strains promoted the growth indices, enzymatic profile, intestinal immunity, and liver and intestinal histomorphology of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

In the current investigation, a 4-week feeding trial was carried out to study the special effects of the dietary probiotic, Sanolife® PRO-F (a combination of Bacillus subtilis 3.25 × 109 CFU/g, Bacillus licheniformis 3.50 × 109 CFU/g, and Bacillus pumilus 3.25 × 109 CFU/g) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical immune parameters, intestinal digestive enzymes activities, antioxidants assay, and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant-related genes with a specific reference to intestinal histomorphometry of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, which fed with Sanolife® PRO-F at 0 (B0), 0.5 (B0.5) and 1 (B1) g kg−1 diet, respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, the achieved results revealed that Bacillus strains probiotic supplementation significantly improved the growth performance including final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed utilization when matched to the control group (p < 0.05). Concerning serum biochemical parameters, there was a significant reduction in the serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in fish-fed Bacillus strains (p < 0.01). Serum lysozyme activity showed greater values in the case of the B0.5 and B1 groups (p < 0.01) compared with the control. No changes were estimated in the levels of glucose, hepatic (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and renal biomarkers (Urea, Creatinine, and Uric acid) in the serum of fish-fed B0.5 and B1 diets. Additionally, the specific activities of protease, amylase, and lipase enzymes were significantly increased upon Bacillus strains՚s incorporation in O. niloticus diets. As well, the antioxidant capacity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes in the liver and spleen were significantly increased with diminished malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Correspondingly, the mRNA expression of the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme in the intestinal tissue was notably increased in the control group. The length of intestinal villi, absorptive epithelium, and goblet cell counts were greater in O. niloticus fed on Bacillus strains diets. Given the obtained results, the dietary supplementation of Sanolife® PRO-F to Nile tilapia, O. niloticus at 0.5 g kg 1 and 1 g kg−1 diet can recover the growth, feed utilization, and health condition with the safety of Sanolife® PRO-F probiotic supplementation on liver and kidney function.

Effects of a commercial feed additive (Sanacore®GM) on water quality, productive performance and blood profile of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

The present study evaluated the effects of the inclusion of commercial feed additive (Sanacore® GM; SAN) in diets on growth and productive performance, digestive enzymes, intestinal microbiota, intestinal histomorphometry and blood profile of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). For this purpose, four diets containing 0.0% (the control), 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4% SAN were formulated and offered to triplicate groups of fish (20–23 g) reared in cages (30 × 10 × 3 m) for ten weeks. Water quality parameters were regularly monitored during the experimental period. No marked variations (p > 0.05) were observed in water temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH values; meanwhile, substantially decreases in unionized ammonia and nitrite levels were specifically detected at the treatment of 0.4% SAN. Feeding the fish on SAN-supplemented diets confirmed significant modulations in fish growth and production, haemato-biochemical profile, intestinal microbiota and intestinal histomorphometry. Fish growth, production and feed utilization indices extensively multiplied alongside with the increase in dietary SAN levels achieving their optimum values at the treatment of 0.4% SAN in contrast to the control group (0% SAN). Intestinal α-amylase, lipase and proteases activities were notably greater in fish fed with SAN-supplemented diets in particular at the 0.4% SAN diet. Feeding gilthead seabream on SAN-containing diets markedly increased red blood cell counts, haemoglobin level and haematocrit per cent mainly at the diet of 0.4% SAN. Compared with the control group, highest values of serum total protein, albumin and globulin accompanied with lowest values of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly recorded in fish fed on the 0.4% SAN diet. Intestinal microbiota were additionally modulated due to SAN administration to gilthead seabream. However, marked reductions in counts of Vibrio sp. and Escherchia coli alongside with high Bacillus sp. counts were obtained in fish mid-intestine mainly at the 0.4% diet. Feeding gilthead seabream on SAN-enriched diets confirmed higher villi length/width, absorption area and crypt depth than the control group with optimal values at the 0.4% SAN diet. According to the outcomes observed in this study, the SAN administration to gilthead seabream, especially at the 0.4% level led to considerable enhancements in overall growth and production performance via improving the secretion of digestive enzymes and prompting the intestinal morphometry and beneficial microbiota.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extract improves growth, immunity, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant state, hepatic histoarchitecture, and intestinal histomorphometry of striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

In aquaculture, phytobiotics can be used as feed supplements with attractive growth-promoting, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and several health benefits for a variety of finfish species. Herein, we evaluated of the impacts of milk thistle extract (MTE; Silybum marianum) on the overall performances of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus juveniles. Fish (7.10 ± 0.00 g) were fed on diets containing graded MTE levels as 0.0 (control), 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%. Fish were assigned into 4 triplicate groups and were hand-fed on the prepared corresponding diets thrice daily for 60 days with 3% of their wet body weight. Significant increases in the feed intake, final weight, weight gain, weight gain%, and specific growth rate were noticed in MTE-supplemented groups with regard to the control group. However, survival rate %, feed conversion ratio, body composition analysis, and amino acid content (% of protein) were statistically non-significant among all experimental groups. Liver function enzymes, intestinal histomorphometry (intestinal villus height, width, and crypt depth), and digestive enzymes (protease, lipase, and amylase) were increased in MTE groups compared to controls. Moreover, dose-dependent significant increases in serum lysozyme activities and total immunoglobulin content were remarked in all MTE groups in comparison with the controls. Liver CAT and SOD enzymes were significantly elevated, and malondialdehyde levels were significantly declined in liver homogenates of MTE groups compared with the controls. However, the levels of serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid were not significantly changed by dietary MTE. Of interest, the histological sections of the hepatopancreatic and intestinal tissues showed normal histoarchitecture of the hepatic cords and pancreatic acini as well as normal intestinal villi, crypts, and enterocytes with no lesions recorded among all the experimental groups. Collectively, the findings mentioned above suggest that MTE could improve the growth, enhance digestive enzymes and intestinal morphometry, and boost the immunity and hepatic antioxidant capacity of P. hypophthalmus. Thus, we suggest the possible application of MTE extract in aquafeed as a growth promotor, immunostimulant, and antioxidant.

A dietary spray-dried plasma feeding programme improves growth performance and reduces faecal bacterial shedding of nursery pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88.

This study aimed to assess the effects of different spray-dried plasma (SDP) feeding programmes to pigs on performance, intestinal histomorphology and faecal bacterial shedding after an Escherichia coli K88 challenge. A total of 96 piglets (5.77 ± 0.01 kg) were weaned at 21 days of age (Day 0) and challenged with 3 ml of 1 × 1010 CFU of E. coli K88 in total 3.0 × 1010 CFU/animal on Days 0, 2 and 4. Pigs were fed nursery diets containing 0.0%, 3.0%, 6.0% or 9.0% SDP from weaning to 35 days of age; 0.0%, 1.5%, 3.0% or 4.5% SDP from 36 to 49 days; and the same control diet (without SDP), for the last 10 days of the experiment (50-59 days of age). Performance was measured from 35 to 59 days of age and faecal bacterial shedding and intestinal histomorphometry were evaluated at Days 28 and 49 of agerespectively. From 21 to 35 days of age, there was a linear effect for body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG), a trend of linear effect for average daily feed intake (ADFI) and a quadratic effect for feed:gain ratio (FG). From 21 to 49 days, the 9.0:4.5% and 6.0:3.0% SDP feeding programmes improved BW, ADG and FG when compared to the other treatments. At 59 days of age, BW and ADG were increased by the two highest SDP feeding programmes. The 9.0:4.5% SDP feeding programme increased ADFI from 21 to 59 days of age, with 6.0:3.0% being intermediate and the other two treatments being lowest. The CFU counts of E. coli/g of faeces decreased linearly with increasing addition of SDP. These results indicate that an extended inclusion of increased SDP levels in post-weaning diets can improve growth potential and decrease bacterial shedding induced by E.coli K88.

The association of Curcuma and Scutellaria plant extracts improves laying hen thermal tolerance and egg oxidative stability and quality under heat stress conditions

Chronic exposure to high ambient temperatures is detrimental to laying hen performance and egg quality. Plant secondary metabolites may alleviate effects, partly due to their antioxidant activities. Herein, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with a phytonutrient solution (PHYTO) consisting of a plant extract combination of Scutellaria baicalensis and Curcuma longa on young layers (25–32 wk of age) raised under naturally elevated temperature conditions. Four hundred, 24-wk-old Lohmann hens were allocated in 50 cages and, after a week of adaptation, were offered a diet either containing 2 g/kg of PHYTO or not, for 8 wk. Hen BW was measured at the beginning and end of the trial, and egg production and feed intake were recorded weekly. At week 32, four eggs per cage were collected to determine egg quality characteristics as well as the rate of lipid and albumen oxidation in fresh eggs. At the end of the trial, two hens per cage were blood sampled for assessment of biochemical markers, one of which was euthanized for histopathological evaluation of the liver and intestine and assessment of intestinal histomorphometry. The herbal mixture supplementation significantly increased egg production rate at weeks 28 and 29 and for the overall production period, and feed efficiency at weeks 26–29. In addition, the degree of liver necrosis and microvascular thrombosis was lower (P < 0.05) whereas intestinal villosity was greater in duodenal and jejunal segments (P < 0.05) in the PHYTO compared to the control group. Supplementation also reduced (P < 0.05) blood concentrations of corticosterone, alanine aminotransferase activity, and TBARS, and a reduction in catalase activity was observed. Egg quality characteristics were not affected, except for eggshell thickness, egg diameter, and eggshell breaking strength that were superior in the PHYTO group (P < 0.05). PHYTO supplementation significantly improved egg lipid oxidation status of fresh eggs. In conclusion, supplementation with PHYTO improved laying hen productivity and egg quality, which was associated with an improvement in laying hen thermotolerance.

Effect of electron beam irradiated barley grains on growth performance, blood parameters, nutrient digestibility, microbial population, and intestinal histomorphometry in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to examine the effect of electron beam-irradiated barley on performance and some physiological parameters of broiler chicks. Treatments were barley (25% and 50% of diet, raw and irradiated at 40 kGy) and control diet that used with five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Irradiation decreased the negative effects of barley on weight gain during the entire production phases at the level of 50%. Relative weight of breast increased in birds fed 25% irradiated barley compared to those fed 50% barley (P < .05). The relative weight of the gizzard as well as the lengths of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum was higher (P < .05) in birds fed 50% raw barley compared to that of the other treatments. Broilers fed a 50% barley diet had lower (P < .05) cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations compared to the birds fed 25% barley. The ileal apparent digestibility of nutrients decreased in birds fed 50% barley compared to those fed 25% barley. The caecal population of Lactobacillus was decreased (P < .05) in broilers fed on 50% raw barley. It is concluded that electron irradiation seems to be an effective procedure to improve the performance parameters of broiler chickens when the birds are fed high levels of barley.

Meta-analysis of responses of broiler chickens to Bacillus supplementation: Intestinal histomorphometry and blood immunoglobulin

Abstract The broiler chicken industry needs effective probiotics to boost productivity and health. However, published data on the impact of in-feed Bacillus supplementation on physiological parameters in healthy broiler chickens are often conflicting and inconclusive. As a result, this meta-analysis aimed to assess the influence of Bacillus on intestinal histomorphometry (villus height [VH], crypt depth [CD], and VH:CD) and blood immunoglobulin (A, G, and M) levels in healthy broiler chickens. Results were pooled using a random-effects model and presented as Hedges d (d) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results indicate that Bacillus improves gut histomorphometric variables in broilers with the exception of duodenal and ileal CD, which had comparable values with the controls. Likewise, broiler chickens fed Bacillus had increased blood immunoglobulin (Ig) levels compared to controls (IgA: d = 2.29 mg/mL, 95% CI: 1.54–3.04; IgG: d = 2.17 mg/mL, 95% CI: 1.36–2.98; IgM: d = 1.00 mg/mL, 95% CI: 0.54–1.46) taking cognizance of heterogeneity (I 2 = 96–98%). Subgroup analysis showed that studied moderators (Bacillus species, broiler strain, and dosage and duration of supplementation) influenced the results of the meta-analysis. In conclusion, our results suggested that the inclusion of Bacillus at 0.1–6.0 × 106 colony-forming unit/g in broiler chicken feed enhanced the absorptive capacity of the small intestine and blood immunoglobulin levels of broiler chickens. The findings of this study avail important suggestions on policy advancements and sustainable usage of Bacillus in broiler chicken industry.

Natural feed additive containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae-originated free nucleotides improves innate immunity, gut histology and disease resistance in Nile tilapia

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae-originated free nucleotides on growth, innate immunity, intestinal histomorphometry and disease resistance in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (average initial weight of 7.85 g). Five diets (treatments) were prepared: negative control diet (NCD) - basal diet without additives; positive control diet (PCD) - basal diet supplemented with a commercial nucleotide-based additive at 170 ppm; and three experimental diets, N170, N320 and N470, supplemented with S. cerevisiae-originated free nucleotides at 170, 320 and 470 ppm, respectively. There were no significant differences in production parameters after the trial period. Nevertheless, the complement hemolytic activity was higher in fish subjected to the three experimental diets, while serum lysozyme concentration was higher in the N470 group compared with both controls. Intestinal villi height and density were greater in fish fed the N470 diet compared with the NCD group. In addition, fish receiving the three experimental diets showed higher absorption surface area magnification ratio, with the greatest values being observed in the N470 group. Lastly, the highest survival rate following Aeromonas hydrophila challenge was recorded in the N470 group. Taken together, the present findings indicate that supplementation of feed with S. cerevisiae-originated free nucleotides at 470 ppm improves non-specific immune responses and intestinal microstructure morphology as well as increases survival rate after bacterial infection in Nile tilapia. Therefore, this blend of natural nucleotides has the potential of being used as an alternative to antimicrobials when included as an additive in aquaculture feeds.

Feeding rate and frequency during the first feeding of angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare - Schultze, 1823) and severum (Heros severus - Heckel, 1840) with Moina sp.

The aim of the present study was to determine the best feeding for angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) and severum (Heros severus) post-larvae fed with Moina sp. during their first feeding phase. For this purpose, growth performance and intestinal histomorphometry of angelfish and severum post-larvae under different feeding rates and frequencies were evaluated. The experiment was conducted for 20 days. 320 angelfish and severum post-larvae with five days post-hatch were used. Angelfish post-larvae had an average initial length and weight of 6.17 ± 1.11 mm and 2.35 ± 1.17 mg, whereas severum post-larvae had an average initial length and weight of 6.61 ± 0.34 mm and 3.12 ± 0.37 mg, respectively. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a factorial scheme (4 × 2), with four different feeding rates: 100, 200, 300 and 400 Moina sp. post-larvae−1 day−1, divided into two and four times per day, with four replicates for each treatment. No interaction (p > 0,05) was observed between feeding rate and frequency. The highest values of final length, length gain and specific growth rate for length were observed in angelfish post-larvae fed 300 and 400 Moina sp. post-larvae−1 day−1, while these variables were higher only for severum post-larvae fed 400 Moina sp. post-larvae−1 day−1. The highest values of final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate for weight and allometric condition factor were observed in both species fed 400 Moina sp. post-larvae−1 day−1. Height, width and area of intestinal villi were higher in angelfish post-larvae consumed 300 and 400 Moina sp. post-larvae−1 day−1. The same result was found for width of intestinal villi of severum post-larvae. Height and area of the intestinal villi were higher only in severum post-larvae fed 400 Moina sp. post-larvae−1 day−1. There was no effect of the feeding frequency on any of the evaluated parameters. Overall, based on the obtained results, it is recommended for both species a feeding rate of 400 Moina sp. post-larvae−1 day−1 divided in two times a day.

Effects of Treatment with Lactobacilli on Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens.

Growth promoter antibiotics have been commonly used for the control of necrotic enteritis (NE) in broilers for decades. However, due to a ban on the use of these antibiotics, alternatives such as probiotics have been tested widely for NE control. The present study tested the efficacy of four different species of lactobacilli (two isolates of Lactobacillus johnsonii and one of Ligilactobacillus (L.) salivarius, Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri, and L. crispatus) against NE. Day-old male broiler chickens were divided into six groups and orally inoculated with 1 × 107 or 1 × 108 colony-forming units (CFU) of lactobacilli on 1, 7, 14, and 20days of age. While negative and positive control groups did not receive lactobacilli, the latter was challenged with Clostridium perfringens (CP). Chickens, at 21days old, were challenged for 3days with 3 × 108CFU of a virulent strain of CP. Tissues were collected for immune system gene expression, immunophenotyping, intestinal histomorphometry, and microbiota analysis. Lactobacilli inoculation conferred partial protection in chickens against NE, marked by lowered lesion scores and improved villus:crypt ratio. Immunomodulatory effects were demonstrated by the significant alteration of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-12p35, IL-17, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) gene transcription in the duodenum and jejunum as well as subtle changes in the frequency of CD8 + T cells and B cells in the cecal tonsil of the treated chickens. Microbiota analysis showed increased levels of some bacterial phyla including Actinobacteria, Lactobacillaceae, and Firmicutes. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the use of certain lactobacilli can reduce NE severity and modulate immune responses and intestinal microbiota composition in chickens.

Effects of a tributyrin and monolaurin blend compared to high ZnO levels on growth performance, faecal microbial counts, intestinal histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry in weaned piglets: A field study in two pig herds

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a tributyrin and monolaurin blend compared to high ZnO levels in weaned piglets under field conditions. In Trial 1, piglets (n = 168) were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) control (CON; diet supplemented with 3000 g ZnO/t of feed; n = 8 replicates); 2) tributyrin and monolaurin blend – Porcestin™ (PR; diet supplemented with basal level of ZnO at 150 g/t and with the tested blend at 5 kg/t of feed; n = 8 replicates). In Trial 2, piglets (n = 244) were assigned to the same two treatments (n = 10 replicates). The study duration was 4 (Trial 1) and 6 (Trial 2) weeks post-weaning. In both trials, growth performance was similar between treatments (P > 0.05). In Trial 1, faecal counts of Lactobacillus spp. increased in pigs of PR group (P < 0.05). In both trials, histomorphometrical analysis of jejunum and ileum samples showed a thicker intestinal mucosa in favor of the PR treatment (P < 0.01), and Foxp3-positive regulatory T cells increased together with a concomitant decrease of MPO-positive granulocytes in jejunal mucosa of piglets from the PR treatment (P < 0.01). Overall, supplementation of monolaurin and tributyrin blend compared to high ZnO levels resulted in similar growth performance. Moreover, beneficial effects on small intestinal morphometry and immune cells responses indicate its ability to attenuate inflammatory processes. Further research is necessary to optimize the use of tested product.