Intestinal Villus Height Research Articles

Supplementation with paraformic acid in the diet improved intestinal development through modulating intestinal inflammation and microbiota in broiler chickens.

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of supplementing paraformic acid (PFA) to the diet of broiler chickens on intestinal development, inflammation, and microbiota. A total of 378 healthy 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers with similar birth weight were used in this study, and randomly assigned into two treatment groups. The broiler chickens were received a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg PFA. Results showed that PFA supplementation increased (P < 0.05) small intestinal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio, elevated intestinal mucosal factors (mucin 2, trefoil factor family, and zonula occludens-1) concentrations, and upregulated mNRA expression of y + L amino acid transporter 1. Moreover, PFA supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10), activities of caspase-3 and caspase-8, and mNRA expressions of Toll-like Receptor 4, nuclear factor-kappa B, Bax, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in small intestinal mucosa. Dietary PFA supplementation also increased (P < 0.05) alpha diversity of cecal microbiota and relative abundance of Alistipes. The present study demonstrated that supplementation of 1,000 mg/kg PFA showed beneficial effects in improving intestinal development, which might be attributed to the suppression of intestinal inflammation and change of gut microbiota composition in broiler chickens. These findings will aid in our knowledge of the mechanisms through which dietary PFA modulates gut development, as well as support the use of PFA in poultry industry.

Effects of substitution of soybean meal with rapeseed meal and glutamine supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and intestinal mucosa barrier of Qiandongnan Xiaoxiang Chicken.

The present study was to evaluate the effects of different rapeseed meal substitution (RSM) and glutamine (Gln) supplementation on growth performance, intestine morphology, and intestinal mucosa barrier of broilers. Four hundred and twenty Qiandongnan Xiaoxiang Chicken at 1 day of age with similar weight were chosen and were randomly assigned into 7 groups, consisting of 10 replicates per group and 6 broilers per replicate. Three groups were provided with diets separately containing 0%, 10%, and 20% RSM, and the other four groups were fed with diets separately supplemented with 0.5% and 1% Gln based on the inclusion of 10% and 20% RSM. At 21 and 42 days of age, 10 broilers per group were chosen to collect plasma and intestinal samples for further analysis. The results showed that 10% RSM decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily weight gain (ADG) of broilers at 21 days of age (p<0.05). Furthermore, both ADFI and ADG of broilers at 21 and 42 days of age were decreased by 20% RSM, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) was increased (p<0.05). Besides, 10% RSM resulted in lower intestinal villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth, deeper crypt depth (p<0.05), combined with the lower mRNA expressions of occludin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in broilers at 21 days of age (p<0.05). Similar results were also observed in broilers at 21 and 42 days of age fed with 20% RSM. However, 1% Gln improved the growth performance of broilers fed with 10% and 20% RSM (p<0.05), ameliorated intestine morphology and elevated mRNA expressions of occludin, claudin-1 and ZO-1 (p<0.05). In conclusion, the increasing inclusion of RSM resulted in more serious effects on broilers, however, 1.0% Gln could reverse the negative effects induced by the inclusion of RSM.

Fermented tea residue improved growth performance, liver antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of fermented tea residue (FT) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, liver antioxidant capacity and Aeromonas hydrophila infection in juvenile Largemouth bass. A total of 240 fish were randomly distributed in 12 tanks with 20 fish per tank (4 treatments with 3 replications) and fed with diets FT at the rate of 0 (control), 2, 4 and 6%. The weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR) and intestinal villi height (VH) of juvenile largemouth bass were significantly higher than those of the control group after feeding FT (P&amp;lt; 0.05); meanwhile, the liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and catalase (CAT) activities of juvenile largemouth bass were significantly higher and the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly lower than those of the control group after feeding FT (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Mortality occurred in all groups of largemouth bass after the injection of A.hydrophila, but feeding FT reduced the cumulative mortality compared with the control group (P&amp;lt; 0.05). In juvenile largemouth bass infected with A.hydrophila, the relative mRNA expression of the intestinal anti-inflammatory factors IL-10 and TGF-α was significantly higher and that of the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1, IL-15, IL-8, and TNF-α was significantly lower (P&amp;lt; 0.05). In summary, it can be seen that a 2% FT addition can improve the liver antioxidant capacity of juvenile largemouth bass, enhance the resistance to A.hydrophila and increase the growth of largemouth bass.

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.

Interval feeding of CpG ODN ‐supplemental diets enhanced growth in juvenile Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis

CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) activate the immune system and act as an immunopotentiator against infectious diseases in aquatic animals, but the growth-promoting effect of CpG ODN was rarely reported in crustaceans. In the present study, CpG ODN (40 mg kg−1) was supplemented into the basic diet, and three feeding strategies including interval CpG ODN feeding (CI group), continuous CpG ODN feeding (CC group) and basic diet feeding (B group) were performed in Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. After 4 weeks of feeding, the weight gain and specific growth rate in CI group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of CC group and B group. The moulting rate of CI group was also highest in CI group and lowest in CC group. Meanwhile, the alkaline phosphatase activity and Ca2+ concentration that related to the shell formation, the amylase and pepsin activities on 14th day in CI group were all higher compared to other two groups. The glucose and glycogen values kept a relative high level from 14th day to 28th day in CI group compared to that in B group and CC group. In addition, the numbers of intestine fold and villus height were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of B group and CC group. More microvillus numbers, branches and goblet cells were observed in CI group. Taken together, these results demonstrated that the interval feeding strategy of CpG ODN supplemental diets probably promoted growth and might be a candidate strategy in the application of crab aquaculture.

Effects of Different Viscous Guar Gums on Growth, Apparent Nutrient Digestibility, Intestinal Development and Morphology in Juvenile Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides.

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of different viscous guar gums on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, intestinal development and morphology of juvenile largemouth bass. Four isoproteic and isolipidic diets (crude protein 42.5%, crude lipid 13.7%) were formulated to contain 8% cellulose (Control group), 8% low viscous guar gum with 2,500 mPa s (Lvs-GG group), 8% medium viscous guar gum with 5,200 mPa s (Mvs-GG group) and 8% high viscous guar gum with 6,000 mPa s (Hvs-GG group), respectively. Each diet was fed to quadruplicate groups of 40 fish (6.00 ± 0.01 g) per repetition. Dietary guar gum inclusion significantly decreased the weight gain rate, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value and lipid deposition rate, and these parameters decreased considerably with increasing guar gum viscous and were lowest in the Hvs-GG group. Dietary guar gum inclusion significantly decreased the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and crude lipid, and these parameters decreased considerably with increasing guar gum viscous and were lowest in the Hvs-GG group. Intestinal protease, lipase and creatine kinase activities in the guar gum groups were significantly lower than those in the control group, and intestinal protease and lipase activities decreased considerably with increased guar gum viscous. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity in the Hvs-GG group and intestinal Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the Mvs-GG and Hvs-GG groups were significantly lower than those in the Lvs-GG and control groups. Serum high-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and superoxide dismutase activity in the guar gum groups were significantly lower than those in the control group. Intestinal villus height and muscular thickness in the guar gum groups were considerably higher than those in the control group, whereas the goblet cell relative number in the Mvs-GG and Hvs-GG groups and the microvillus height in the Lvs-GG and Hvs-GG groups were significantly lower than those in the control group. The expression level of IGF-1 in the guar gum groups and the expression level of GLP-2 in the Mvs-GG and Hvs-GG groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. These results indicated that guar gum diets adversely affected intestinal morphology, decreased intestinal digestive and absorptive enzyme activities, and caused poor nutrient digestibility and growth performance in juvenile largemouth bass. Moreover, the adverse effects of guar gum are closely related to its viscous, and high viscous guar gum produces more extreme negative impacts on juvenile largemouth bass.

Effects of Clostridium autoethanogenum protein as substitute for dietary fishmeal on the growth, feed utilization, intestinal health and muscle quality of large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea

A 90-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP) replacing dietary fishmeal on growth, feed utilization, intestinal health and muscle quality of large yellow croaker (Initial body weight: 189.9 ± 1.11 g). The control diet (CAP0) contains 62% fishmeal, which was replaced with CAP at 15% (CAP15), 30% (CAP30), 45% (CAP45), 60% (CAP60), 75% (CAP75) and 100% (CAP100), respectively. Results showed that the weight gain rate, protein efficiency ratio, feed intake, condition factor and intestinal villus height of fish significantly decreased when the replacement level of dietary fishmeal by CAP exceeded 30%, while feed conversion ratio increased significantly in the CAP60, CAP75 and CAP100 treatments (P < 0.05). Increasing replacement levels of dietary fishmeal by CAP linearly decreased the activities of intestinal digestive and absorptive enzymes (P < 0.05). In addition, the mRNA expression level of intestinal peptide transporter 1 and nuclear factor κB genes was up-regulated with increasing dietary CAP level, while the intestinal peptide transporter 2, occludin-like and interleukin 10 genes was down-regulated (P < 0.05). The muscle amino acid compositions and skin color were not significantly affected by dietary CAP supplementation. Compared with those in the CAP0 group, fish in the CAP75 and CAP100 group showed a significantly lower muscle firmness, water holding capacity and myofiber diameter, and a higher myofiber density (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of myogenic differentiation, myogenin, myogenic factor 5 and paired box 7 genes was significantly up-regulated, while the expression of myostatin gene was significantly down-regulated in the muscle of fish in the CAP75 and CAP100 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CAP can replace up to 30% of dietary fishmeal protein for large yellow croaker without negative effects on the growth, feed utilization, intestinal health and muscle quality.

Morphological Modulation of Broiler Organs in Response to an Organic Acid–Phytogen Composite in Healthy Broilers

In this study, we investigated broiler growth traits, intestinal health and immune aggregates in response to supplementation of Origanum vulgare and Cinnamomum verum, citric acid and malic acid in drinking water at varying levels and durations on broiler. We randomly allocated 140 day-old broilers into four (4) groups, with each group having seven replicates (n = 5). A basal diet and water were provided to all the groups ad libitum in accordance with standard farming practices. Keeping group I as the control, group II was supplemented with 1 mL/3.3 L of water for 1–4 days, 1 mL/4 L from 15–18 days and 1 mL/4 L water from 26–29 days. Group III and IV were supplemented with 1 mL/4 L of water and 1 mL/6 L of water for 35 days, respectively. After the completion of the trial (day 35), two broilers per replicate (14 birds per group) were slaughtered to sample the visceral organs. The results demonstrated that the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body weight gain improved (p ≤ 0.05) during the fourth and fifth week of the trial in group III in comparison to the control group. Although the small intestine villus height and villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio improved (p ≤ 0.05) in group III, the muscularis externa thickness of the ileum was highest (p ≤ 0.05) in the control group. Similarly, the lymphatic follicular and nodular area of the immune organs improved (p ≤ 0.05) in group III. In all segments of the small intestine (duodenal, jejunal and ileal), the number of acidic and total goblet cells was highest (p ≤ 0.05) in group II. In conclusion, dietary Origanum vulgare, Cinnamomum verum, citric acid and malic acid at the dose of 1 mL/4 L of drinking water (group III) was the most effective in improving the growth performance, gut development and associated immune components in broilers.

Protective Effect of Bifidobacterium lactis JYBR-190 on Intestinal Mucosal Damage in Chicks Infected With Salmonella pullorum.

Pullorum is one of the most serious diseases that endanger the chicken industry. With the advent of the era of anti-antibiotics in feed, the replacement of antibiotics by probiotics has become the focus and hotspot of related research. In this study, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to observe the structural changes of intestinal mucosa in chicks infected with Salmonella pullorum, and to analyze TNF-α, IL-10, IFN-γ, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and secreted immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels. The results showed that the intestinal villus height, villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C), and muscle layer thickness of duodenum, jejunum and cecum in the JYBR-190 group were significantly higher than those of the infection group and antibiotic group. Furthermore, the levels of PCNA, sIgA and IL-10 in JYBR-190 group were significantly increased, whereas the expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ was significantly decreased. Taken together, Bifidobacterium lactis JYBR-190 has a protective effect on intestinal mucosal damage in chicks infected with Salmonella pullorum.

Effects of Different Levels of Garlic Straw Powder on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Antioxidant and Intestinal Mucosal Morphology of Yellow-Feathered Broilers.

The full utilization of garlic straw can partially alleviate shortage of feedstuff and waste of resources. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of garlic straw as an unconventional feed on yellow-feathered broilers. 360 28-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups with 6 replicates (cage) per group, 15 per cage. The 4 groups were as follows: control group (basal diet) and experimental group I (basal diet supplemented with 3% garlic straw powder), II (basal diet supplemented with 6% garlic straw powder) and III (basal diet supplemented with 9% garlic straw powder). There was no significant difference in the initial body weight of the broilers among groups (p > 0.05). The test period was 28 days in total. The experiment results showed that there were no significant difference in the average final weight, ADG, ADFI and F/G among groups (p > 0.05). On the one hand, for the breast muscle, the drip loss of experimental group I, II and III were reduced by 17.24% (p <0.05), 20.11% (p <0.05) and 20.50% (p <0.05), respectively, compared with the control group; the redness a* of the experimental groups had a trend of improvement (0.05 <p < 0.1). On the other hand, compared with the control group, the redness a* of the experimental group II increased significantly by 23.18% for the leg muscles (p < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the control group, GSH-Px of the experimental group III significantly increased by 21.38% (p < 0.05), and SOD of the experimental group I significantly increased by 21.85% (p < 0.05). Finally, there were no significant differences in the intestinal villus height, crypt depth, V/C and intestinal wall thickness among four groups (p >0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of different levels of garlic straw powder can improve meat quality and antioxidant capacity of yellow-feathered broilers without affecting growth performance and intestinal mucosal morphology.

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.

Fishmeal substitution with low-gossypol cottonseed meal in the diet for juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.): Effects on growth, nutrients utilization and haematological responses

An 8-week feeding trial was carried out to explore the effects of fish meal replacement with low-gossypol cottonseed meal, a potential alternative protein source, in juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.). Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets, with different substitutional levels (0%, 15%, 25%, 35% and 45%, respectively), were formulated. The growth performance, feed utilization and haematological responses were determined. Compared with the fishmeal group, fish growth was not affected when the replacement level was no more than 35%. The feed efficiency ratio and protein efficiency ratio in LC45 group were significantly lower. The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter and crude protein, as well as the ADCs of lysine and proline, were inhibited when the replacement level reached 25%. Furthermore, the glucose and cholesterol levels in plasma in LC45 group were significantly lower than that in FM group. Significantly lower content of malondialdehyde was observed in LC25 group while the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in LC45 were significantly induced. The height of intestinal villi in LC45 was significantly lower than in other groups. Overall, the results indicate that low-gossypol cottonseed meal could be used as an alternative plant protein source in turbot and it could replace 35% fishmeal in the diet.

Effects of fenugreek seed extracts on growth performance and intestinal health of broilers

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of fenugreek seed extract (FSE) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal immunity and cecal micro-organisms in yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old male yellow-feathered broilers were selected and randomly assigned to four treatments with 6 replicates per group and ten broilers per replicate. Started from the third day, birds were fed with basal diet (CON group) or basal diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg Zinc bacitracin (ZB group), or basal diet supplemented with 50 (D-FSE group) or 100 (H-FSE group) mg/kg FSE, respectively. The experiment lasted for 56 d. The results showed that dietary FSE supplementation improved average daily weight gain (ADG) and ratio of feed to weight gain (F: G) (P < 0.01), increased intestinal villus height (VH), villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) (P < 0.05), serum concentrations of IL-10, and the contents of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) (P < 0.05), as well as decreased the activity of iNOS (P < 0.05). The high-throughput sequencing results showed that dietary FSE supplementation increased the alpha diversity of cecal microbes, and Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia and Proteobacteria taken up 95% of all phyla detected, FSE significantly reduced Campylobacter, Synergistes, and Lachnoclostridium abundance (P ≤ 0.05). There were significant difference in more than 30 KEGG pathways between FSE added group and control group or ZB group. FSE supplementation, in other words, maintained gut microbiota homeostasis while improving broiler growth performance. As a result, FSE has the potential to replace prophylactic antibiotic use in poultry production system.

Disordered Expression of Tight Junction Proteins Is Involved in the Mo-induced Intestinal Microenvironment Dysbiosis in Sheep.

To evaluate the molybdenum (Mo)-induced changes of intestinal morphology and the relationship of intestinal tight junction (TJ) proteins expression and intestinal barrier function, a total of 20 healthy sheep were randomly divided into five groups of four: 0, 5, 10, 20, and 50mg/kg BW/day Na2MoO4·2H2O were administrated in five groups named control group, Mo 5 group, Mo 10 group, Mo 20 group, and Mo 50 group, respectively. After 28days of Mo treatment, the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum tissue were collected. The histopathology and the developmental parameters were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The intestinal epithelial cell DNA damage was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay. The intestinal glycoprotein and the goblet cells were analyzed by Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining and PAS staining, respectively. TJ proteins were determined by immunofluorescence technology. Results showed that excessive Mo significantly decreased the small intestinal villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), VH/CD, and mucosal thickness (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) while induced the damage of DNA in small intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, excessive Mo injured intestinal barrier function by decreasing the percent of glycoprotein distribution area (P < 0.05) and the relative density of intestinal goblet cells (P < 0.05). Mo treatment induced decreased (P < 0.01) expression of Zonula Occludens-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1. In conclusion, excessive Mo interfered with the expression of TJ proteins, inhibited intestinal epithelial development, and further aggravated the intestinal barrier function damage, leading to disturbing the small intestinal microenvironment balance.

Effects of Dietary Zymosan-A on the Growth Performance and Intestinal Morphology, Digestive Capacity, and Microbial Community in Litopenaeus vannamei

The effects of dietary zymosan A on the growth performance and histological structure, digestive capacity, and microbiota were investigated in Litopenaeus vannamei, an important shrimp species used in aquaculture. L. vannamei (initial body weight = 0.41 ± 0.05 g) were fed diets supplemented with zymosan-A at doses of 0 mg/kg (Z0, control), 1 mg/kg (Z1), 5 mg/kg (Z5), 25 mg/kg (Z25), 125 mg/kg (Z125), or 625 mg/kg (Z625) for 8 weeks. The results showed that doses of 25 and 125 mg/kg significantly increased the final body weight, weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR) and significantly decreased the feed conversion rate compared with the controls (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Analyses of the WGR and SGR revealed that the optimum dietary zymosan-A levels were 308.56 and 300.00 mg/kg, respectively. Compared with the controls, the intestinal villus height was significantly increased by the addition of zymosan-A at doses ≥25 mg/kg (p &amp;lt; 0.05). An obvious upregulation of the activities of trypsin and amylase was observed in all groups that received zymosan-A supplementation, while the activity of lipase was significantly increased in groups Z125 and Z625 (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Consistently, the gene expressions of trypsin and lipase were significantly higher in group Z125, while the gene expression of amylase was significantly increased in all zymosan-A-supplemented groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Analysis of the intestinal microbiota showed significant differences in the alpha diversity between group Z125 and controls. The supplemented groups showed altered intestinal bacterial community structures and compositions at the phylum, family, and genus levels, with statistical differences observed in the relative abundances of some dominant species. Tax4Fun predictions of the microbiota indicated that multiple intestinal functions were significantly altered in all zymosan-A-supplemented groups, except Z1. Among these groups, the functions related to transport and catabolism, substance dependence, cardiovascular disease, and signaling molecules and interactions were obviously increased by the addition of zymosan-A at different levels. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of the optimum amount of zymosan-A can improve growth and intestinal function in L. vannamei, which will be valuable in aquaculture.

Trans-anethole Ameliorates Intestinal Injury Through Activation of Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Subclinical Necrotic Enteritis-Induced Broilers.

This study was conducted to investigate the alleviative effects of trans-anethole (TA) on intestinal oxidative stress by enhancing the activities of intestinal antioxidant enzymes and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway in subclinical necrotic enteritis (NE) infected broilers. A total of 192 1-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated into three treatment groups: (1) control (CON); (2) subclinical NE challenge (NE); (3) NE challenge + 600 mg/kg TA (NE+TA600). Subclinical NE was induced by oral administration of live coccidiosis vaccine containing 2 × 104 oocysts at 10 days of age and 2 ml of Clostridium perfringens type A solution (3 × 108 CFU/ml) daily from days 14 to 19. The results showed that NE infection led to a severe decline (p < 0.05) in the final body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG), but an increase (p < 0.05) in feed/gain (F/G) of broilers at day 10–21 and day 1–21 compared with the control group. TA administration improved (p < 0.05) the growth performance of NE birds. The intestinal villus height (VH) and villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) were reduced (p < 0.05) by NE challenge as compared with those of the control group, which was elevated by TA administration. Subclinical NE infection decreased (p < 0.05) serum activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and jejunal and ileal glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and T-SOD activity as well as T-AOC in the jejunum, while TA interventions positively elevated that (p < 0.05). Administration of TA protected the intestine against oxidative stress through up-regulation of intestinal nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway as compared with the NE group (p < 0.05). In addition, dietary inclusion of TA elevated (p < 0.05) mRNA abundance of c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met), jejunal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in the jejunum and ileum of birds after subclinical NE challenge. In conclusion, 600 mg/kg of TA may be a promising tool to prevent and control subclinical NE by increasing intestinal antioxidant status in broilers.

The effects of deoxynivalenol-contaminated corn in low-complexity diets supplemented with either an immune-modulating feed additive, or fish oil on nursery pig growth performance, immune response, small intestinal morphology, and component digestibility.

Three hundred twenty newly weaned pigs (21 days of age; 6.7 ± 0.3 kg BW) were used to determine the effects of supplementing low-complexity (LC) deoxynivalenol- (DON) contaminated nursery diets with a feed additive or fish oil on growth performance and immune response to an Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments (n = 8 pens per treatment): positive control (PC; contained multiple animal protein sources), or 1 of 4 LC diets (contained only plant-based protein sources) without (NC; negative control) or with ~ 3.5 ppm DON contamination, without (DON‐) or with a feed additive containing a blend of immune-modulating components (DON+; 2 mg/kg, as-fed) or fish oil (DONω3; 2.5%, as-fed). Dietary treatments were fed during phases I and II (7 and 15 days, respectively) and a common phase III diet was fed for 20 days. On day 22, two pigs per pen were injected IM with 30 μg/kg BW LPS and 1 pig per pen with 1 mL saline. Rectal temperatures were recorded at 0, 1, 2, 3 h after injection. At 3 h, blood was collected for plasma cytokine analysis and small intestinal histomorphology was assessed. In phase I, pigs fed PC and NC did not differ for ADG, ADFI and G:F, but these outcomes were greater than for pigs fed DON+ and DONω (P < 0.05). In phase II, pigs fed NC had greater ADG and PC had greater ADFI but lower G:F than pigs fed DON‐ and DONω3 (P < 0.05). At the end of phase II, pigs fed DONω3 tended to have lower BW than PC and NC (P = 0.084 and 0.079, respectively). In phase III and overall, there were no differences among dietary treatments for ADG, ADFI, G:F, or final BW. The LPS injection increased rectal temperature and reduced jejunal and ileal villus height (versus saline; P < 0.05). Plasma interferon-γ concentration was only increased by LPS for pigs fed PC, NC, and DON+ compared to the saline-injected counterparts (P < 0.05). Regardless of LPS injection, jejunal villus height was greater for pigs fed DON+ than DONω3 (P < 0.05) and ileal villus height was greater for pigs fed DON+ and PC than DONω3 (P < 0.05). Therefore, nursery diet complexity did not affect growth performance or immune response to LPS. Regardless of DON contamination and feed additive inclusion in phases I and II, pigs were able to achieve nursery exit BW not different from those fed PC. The feed additive offered marginal benefits for small intestinal villus height and immune response for pigs fed DON-contaminated LC nursery diets.

Jejunoileal mucosal growth in mice with a limited microbiome.

Previous work demonstrated enhanced enterocyte proliferation and mucosal growth in gnotobiotic mice, suggesting that intestinal flora participate in mucosal homeostasis. Furthermore, broad-spectrum enteral antibiotics are known to induce near germ-free (GF) conditions in mice with conventional flora (CONV). We hypothesized that inducing near GF conditions with broad-spectrum enteral antibiotics would cause ordered small intestinal mucosal growth in CONV mice but would have no effect in GF mice with no inherent microbiome. C57BL/6J CONV and GF mice received either an antibiotic solution (Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Metronidazole, Vancomycin, Meropenem) or a vehicle alone. After treatment, small intestinal villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), mucosal surface area (MSA), crypt proliferation index (CPI), apoptosis, and villus and crypt cell types were assessed. Antibiotic-treated CONV (Abx-CONV) mice had taller villi, deeper crypts, increased CPI, increased apoptosis, and greater MSA compared to vehicle-treated CONV mice. Minor differences were noted in enterocyte and enterochromaffin cell proportions between groups, but goblet and Paneth cell proportions were unchanged in Abx-CONV mice compared to vehicle-treated CONV mice (p>0.05). Antibiotics caused no significant changes in VH or MSA in GF mice when compared to vehicle-treated GF mice (p>0.05). Enteral administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics to mice with a conventional microbiome stimulates ordered small intestinal mucosal growth. Mucosal growth was not seen in germ-free mice treated with antibiotics, implying that intestinal mucosal growth is associated with change in the microbiome in this model.

Trans-Anethole Alleviates Subclinical Necro-Haemorrhagic Enteritis-Induced Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction and Intestinal Inflammation in Broilers.

This study investigated the alleviative potential of trans-anethole (TA) on the impaired intestinal barrier and intestinal inflammation and its regulatory effects on gut microbiota in broilers with subclinical necro-hemorrhagic enteritis (NE) challenge. Subclinical NE challenge led to a severe decline in the 21-day body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG), but an increase in feed conversion ratio (FCR) and intestinal lesion score of birds compared with controls (P < 0.05). Compared with the subclinical NE group, the TA administration group exhibited lower (P < 0.05) intestinal lesion score and crypt depth (CD), serum diamine oxidase activity, and D-lactate concentration, but higher (P < 0.05) intestinal tight junction protein expressions, villus height (VH), VH/CD, and numbers of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells. The administration of TA also inhibited (P < 0.05) the expression of intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) but increased (P < 0.05) jejunal IL-10 and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentration. TA inclusion also led to a remarkable reduction of intestinal NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha (IκBα) degradation and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) translocation. Moreover, TA modulated the cecal microbiota abundance and diversity of NE birds, as confirmed by reducing the phylum Firmicutes and genera Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, and Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group when supplemented at 600 mg/kg and reducing genera Butyricicoccus, Oscillibacter, and Flavonifractor when supplemented at 400 mg/kg (P < 0.05). Supplementation of TA in broiler diets could alleviate subclinical NE infection by restoring intestinal barrier integrity, inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway, and modulating gut microbiota. A 600-mg/kg dose of TA is the optimum concentration for ameliorating subclinical NE in broilers.

Effects of Caulis Spatholobi Polysaccharide on Immunity, Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function, and Intestinal Microbiota in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressive Chickens.

The protective effects of Caulis Spatholobi polysaccharide (CSP) on immune function, intestinal mucosal barrier, and intestinal microflora in cyclophosphamide (CY)-induced immunosuppressed chickens have been rarely reported. This study was designed to investigate the cecal microbiota in chickens and to elucidate the immune mechanism involved in the CSP effect on CY induced-immunosuppressed chickens. A total of 288 cocks were equally divided into six groups and used to evaluate the immune effect of CSP. Results showed that the CSP increased the body weight and immune organ index of immunosuppressed chickens, significantly increased the secretion of cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) and immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM) in sera of chickens, and restored the body immune function. The CSP reduced intestinal injury of the jejunum and ileum, increased the ratio of the intestinal villus height to crypt depth (V/C), improved the expression of tight junction protein, and protected intestinal health. The CSP activated the toll-like receptor (TLR)/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and enhanced the expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, Claudin1, and Zo-1, protecting the intestinal tract. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed that CSP increased species richness, restored CY-induced intestinal microbiome imbalance, and enhanced the abundance of Lactobacillus in the intestinal tract. In conclusion, our study provided a scientific basis for CSP as an immune enhancer to regulate intestinal microflora and protect intestinal mucosal damage in chickens.