Intestinal Villi Length Research Articles

EFFICACY OF SALICYLIC AND ASCORBIC ACIDS TO REDUCE THE EFFECT OF TRANSPORT STRESS ON LIVE WEIGHT, SOME BLOOD CHARACTERISTICS AND INTESTINAL VILLI OF BROILER CHICKENS

This experiment was conducted and aimed to reducing mortality and losing the weight of birds transported to the slaughter house through reducing or Transport stress removal and thus to reduce financial losses. 150 birds used almost equal weights that were divided into three treatment groups and by five replicates for each treatment is control treatment (T1) without giving anything and treatment with salicylic acid concentration 1 g / liter of drinking water (T2) and treatment with ascorbic acid (T3) concentration 0.5 g / Liter of drinking water provided 24 hours before its transport. The transport process resulted in a highly significant decrease (P ≤ 0.01) in body weight in treatment T1 as it reached 4.66%, while it reached 1.68 and 1.09% in treatment T2 and T3, respectively. The transport process led to an increase in body temperature, H / L ratio, the concentration of glucose, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in the blood serum, as the transport process led to a very significant decrease (P ≤ 0.01) in the cholesterol concentration, Uric acid, intestinal villi length and crypts depth. T2 and T3 treatments showed their ability to reduce transport stress, especially T3, where they outperformed T1 in most traits. It is concluded from the study that adding ascorbic acid by 0.5 g / L drinking water 24 hours before transporting the chicks to the slaughter house reduces the transport stress and lessen financial losses, so it is recommended to use it.

Dietary supplementation with a specific mannan-rich yeast parietal fraction enhances the gut and skin mucosal barriers of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and reduces its susceptibility to sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis)

BackgroundIncreasing reliance on non-medicinal interventions to control sea lice in the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farming industry imposes a high level of skin mucosal disturbance and indirect health issues. Dietary supplementation with yeast-based MOS products is widely used to support intestinal homeostasis across farmed species. Evidence of their effect on skin mucosa is increasing in aquatic species but it remains inconsistent and someway short of a clear contribution to sea lice management. A tank-based trial was performed to test the effect of a yeast-based MOS functional compound (sMOS) on the skin mucosal layer and its protective effects against sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). ResultsThe test compound significantly increased skin mucus (+46%) and goblet cell density (+25%) after 6 weeks of dietary supplementation when positive effects on intestinal villi-length (+10.9%) and goblet cell density (+80.0%) were also documented. Following dietary supplementation, a 16.6% reduction in susceptibility to an acute standard copepodid challenge was measured alongside an earlier increase in skin lysozyme activity widely used as an index of innate immunity. ConclusionThe study provides functional evidence that the benefits of dietary sMOS reach beyond the intestine to the skin mucosa. Bolstering of the Atlantic salmon skin barrier and immune functions and the resulting lower susceptibility to sea lice has the potential to reduce the need for delousing interventions and the impact of non-medicinal interventions on the animal's health and welfare.

Effects of reducing dietary fishmeal with yeast supplementations on Litopenaeus vannamei growth, immune response and disease resistance against Vibrio harveyi

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of reducing dietary fishmeal (FM) with yeast culture (SYC) supplementation on growth, immune response, intestinal microbiota, intestinal morphology, and disease resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei. A total of 480 shrimps with an average initial body weight of 0.35 ± 0.002 g were randomly distributed into twelve tanks. Three isonitrogenous (40.00 crude protein) and isolipidic (8.00 crude lipids) diets with yeast culture supplementing fishmeal were formulated. The groups were divided into two (2) namely control group and experimental groups. The formulations of the groups were control (0 %, without yeast culture) and the experiment groups (SYC) [(1 % of yeast culture), and (2 % of yeast culture)]. Each diet was delivered in four replicate per treatment group. The results indicate significant improvement on the growth indices (specific growth rate, weight gain rate, survival rate and lower feed conversion ratio) with yeast culture treatment group after 56 days feeding trials (P < 0.05). Total hemolymph protein, superoxide dismutase, catalase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, lysozyme and phenoxidase were enhanced but low aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and glucose were observed in shrimp fed yeast culture diets (P < 0.05). The SYC groups showed insignificant differences in hemolymph cholesterol and triglyceride. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacteria found in all the SYC groups. At the genus level, Vibrio was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in 2 % yeast culture diets supplemented group whereas the beneficial bacteria Pseudoalteromonas was significantly enhanced. Moreover, intestinal villus length and width in shrimps fed yeast culture diets were improved (P < 0.05). Dietary yeast culture supplementation can improve growth, intestinal health, immune response, and resistance against Vibrio harveyi infections in L. vannamei.

Impact of Yeast Fermented Poultry by-Product Meal on Growth, Digestive Enzyme Activities, Intestinal Morphometry and Immune Response Traits of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract The current study was carried out to investigate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae-fermented poultry by product meal (PBM) on growth performance, micromorphological, and immunological changes in common carp. Five experimental diets were prepared to include fermented PBM at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 % level in the diet of common carp (4.91±0.01 g). The fish were reared for 90 days on these diets. The obtained results revealed that yeast fermented PBM significantly changed the final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the fish in a dose dependent manner (P&lt;0.05). Fish fed 20 % fermented PBM showed the highest FBW, WG, SGR, FI, and lowest FCR. However, whole body composition did not vary significantly among fish fed different diets (P&gt;0.05). Dietary yeast fermented PBM at 10 and 20 % level significantly increased the lipase, amylase, and protease activities than the other groups (P&lt;0.05). The anterior, middle, and posterior intestinal villus length was significantly increased in fish fed fermented PBM at 15 and 20 % level when compared to the other groups (P&lt;0.05). The number of goblet cells was significantly increased in the middle section of intestine in fish fed yeast fermented PBM at 20 % level, while in the posterior region of intestine the number of goblet cells was significantly increased in fish fed yeast fermented PBM at 15 and 20 % level (P&lt;0.05). The histomorphology of intestine showed an increased length, branching and density of intestinal villi in fish fed yeast fermented PBM diets. Most of the measured blood parameters showed insignificant (P&gt;0.05) differences except for Hb, RBCs, WBCs, total blood protein, and globulin which were significantly affected by the inclusion of yeast fermented PBM (P&lt;0.05). Lysozyme activity was significantly increased in fish fed yeast fermented PBM at 5, 10, and 15 % level, while the phagocytic activity and phagocytic index were significantly increased at 20 % level when compared to the control groups (P&lt;0.05). It is concluded from this study that inclusion of yeast fermented PBM in the diet of common carp at 15-20% level increased digestive enzyme activities, immune function and growth of the fish.

Oxidative stress, hemato-immunological, and intestinal morphometry changes induced by ochratoxin A in APRI rabbits and the protective role of probiotics.

This work studied the protective effects of Aspergillus awamori against ochratoxin A (OTA)-induced toxicity in APRI maternal line rabbits. A total number of 48 APRI line weanling rabbits (5weeks) were divided into 4 groups (12 rabbits each) and fed the basal diet, 30ppb/kg diet of OTA, 1g/kg diet of A. awamori, and a mixture of OTA and A. awamori for 8weeks. OTA reduced the final body weight and weight gain as well as the intestinal villi length and thickness, whereas increased the feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Rabbits fed diets with OTA showed significantly reduced crude protein, lipids, and fibers apparent digestibility coefficients (P < 0.05). The red blood cells and hemoglobin were significantly decreased in the OTA group comparing with the other groups (P < 0.05). The blood total protein and albumin displayed significantly lower levels by OTA than the other groups. In contrast, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, and creatinine levels were significantly increased by OTA (P < 0.05). Phagocytic activity (PA) and phagocytic index (PI) showed significantly (P < 0.05) decreased levels in OTA-contaminated group, while rabbits fed A. awamori significantly showed the highest PA and PI levels (P < 0.05). Dietary A. awamori kept the levels of PA and PI in rabbits fed OTA significantly higher than those fed without A. awamori (P < 0.05) and not significantly different from the control group (P > 0.05). Catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) displayed significantly lower levels in the OTA group, while malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly higher than the other groups (P < 0.05). Rabbits fed OTA-contaminated diets displayed significantly lower CAT and SOD and higher MDA than rabbits fed OTA combined with A. awamori (P < 0.05). Our results indicated that dietary A. awamori ameliorated the damage in APRI rabbits fed OTA through alleviation of oxidative stress and immunity.

Dietary supplementation of micro-encapsulated sodium butyrate in healthy horses: effect on gut histology and immunohistochemistry parameters

BackgroundAs colic and intestinal disorders are a major concern in horses, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of butyrate, known to have a diverse array of beneficial effects on intestinal health. The effect of micro-encapsulated sodium butyrate supplementation on gut histology and immunohistochemistry parameters was studied in 14 healthy warmblood horses destined for slaughter in two separate periods. Horses were fed a low fiber - high starch diet, designed to induce subsequent starch overflow in the large intestine, aiming to create a mild challenge for large intestinal health. Treatment included supplementation with either micro-encapsulated sodium butyrate (Excential Butycoat®, Orffa, Werkendam, the Netherlands) or placebo (containing only coating material). The horses were fed for 20 consecutive days at a dosage of 0.4 g/kg BW (body weight). At day 21, the horses were slaughtered and intestinal samples were collected for determination of gut pH, villus length, crypt depth and area % of CD3+ and CD20+ cells.ResultsHorses on the butyrate supplemented diet had significantly reduced crypt depths in the right dorsal colon compared to placebo-fed horses (P < 0.001). However, a treatment x period interaction (P = 0.002) was discovered regarding this parameter, which could not be explained by the authors. Further investigation into the number of KI67+ cells in the RDC crypts did not reveal any significant differences between treatments (P = 0.650), indicating that the reduction in crypt depth in butyrate-fed horses could not be explained by a significant difference in cellular proliferation. Intestinal pH, villus length and expression of intestinal CD3+ and CD20+ cells were not significantly affected by treatment at any intestinal level.ConclusionsOur data indicate that supplementation of micro-encapsulated sodium butyrate to the equine diet did not influence gut histology (with the exception of a decrease found in the crypts of the RDC) or immunohistochemistry parameters in healthy horses. Further research is warranted to investigate the impact of butyrate supplementation in horses with intestinal disease.

Effects of Oligosaccharide Supplementation on Intestinal Morphology and Enteric Glial Cell Marker Expression in a Neonatal Pig Model

We have shown that oligosaccharide supplementation can modulate the gut flora in neonates, and the microbiome is known to drive the maturation of the enteric glial cell (EGC) network postnatally. Here, we test the effects of dietary oligosaccharides on postnatal changes in the EGC network and intestinal morphology in a neonatal pig model.After suckling colostrum for 24‐hours, one‐day‐old pigs were grouped onto one of three formula‐based diets: control, high oligosaccharide (1:1 mixture of galactooligosaccharide and polydextrose, 8g/L), or low oligosaccharide (4g/L). Small intestine and colon samples were collected at 1‐ 7‐ 14‐ and 21‐ days‐of‐age for western blot and histological analysis. Preliminary histological results indicate a trend toward a decreased small intestinal villus length in the high oligosaccharide group at 7‐days‐of‐age, indicative of accelerated intestinal maturity. Expression of the EGC marker glial fibrillary acidic protein is increased in the small intestinal mucosa at 7‐ and 14‐days‐of‐age in the high oligosaccharide group based on a preliminary western blot (n=1). Following ongoing work to assess crypt morphology and quantify additional EGC markers S100B, PLP‐1, Sox10 in the small intestine and colon, we expect to find increased mucosal expression of EGC markers earlier in postnatal development in the high oligosaccharide group, as well as histological changes consistent with enhanced rates of gut maturation in pigs fed a high oligosaccharide diet. Understanding how dietary inputs drive intestinal development postnatally may improve practices for managing optimal gut heath early in life.Support or Funding InformationNIH K01 OD 028207, NIH P30 DK 034987, NIH‐NICHD R01 HD095876, USDA‐NIFA VMCG‐0065

Zingiber officinale and Glycyrrhiza glabra , individually or in combination, reduce heavy metal accumulation and improve growth performance and immune status in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

This study evaluated the impact of dietary ginger and liquorice supplementation on growth performance, physiological and histopathological profiles and heavy metal accumulation in Nile tilapia fingerlings. Fish (n = 1,800, 17.5 ± 0.11 g BW) were randomly distributed into four treatment groups in triplicates and received no supplementation (control group), 5 ml aqueous ginger extract/kg feed (ginger group), 4 ml aqueous liquorice extract/kg feed (liquorice group) or 2.5 ml ginger plus 2 ml liquorice aqueous extracts/kg feed (mix group). The ginger-liquorice mix supply improved the growth performance and feed efficiency (p < .05), increased the haematocrit and haemoglobin (p < .05), leucocytes (p = .108), neutrophils (p = .054), serum total protein (p < .05), albumin (p = .011) and globulin (p = .094) but decreased (p < .05) the blood urea nitrogen and creatinine than feeding liquorice or ginger lonely compared to the control. Heavy metal loads in pond water induced lamellar telangiectasis of gills and necrosis with sloughing of intestinal villi tips. These detrimental effects were alleviated, and the intestinal villus length (p = .041) and crypt depth (p = .069) were increased with liquorice supply. In all treatment groups, heavy metal contents in fish flesh were lower compared to the control. Thus, using ginger and/or liquorice aqueous extracts can decrease heavy metal accumulation in the fish flesh and exert positive effects on growth performance, metabolic profile and the intestinal and gill morphology of Nile tilapia.

Evaluation of fermented date palm seed meal withAspergillus oryzaeon the growth, digestion capacity and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Five diets were prepared to include date palm seed meal (DSM) fermented with Aspergillus oryzae (ASP) at 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g/kg diet and fed for Nile tilapia (26.93 ± 0.01 g) for 8 weeks. Fermented DSM significantly affected the final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate in a dose-dependent manner (p = .001) with insignificant differences in feed conversion ratio (p > .05). Dietary fermented DSM significantly increased the lipase, amylase and protease activities (p = .008, p = .001 and p = .01, respectively) and the Hb, RBCs and WBCs (p = .001, p = .005, and p = .009, respectively). The intestinal villus length and number of goblet cells were significantly affected by fermented DSM inclusion (p < .05). Additionally, the total protein, albumin and globulin significantly affected by the inclusion of fermented DSM in a dose-dependent manner (p = .04, p = .045, and p = .03, respectively). Furthermore, dietary fermented DSM significantly altered the phagocytic index, phagocytic activity and lysozyme activity (p = .001, p = .045 and p = .04, respectively). Based on the polynomial regression analysis, the inclusion of fermented DSM at 103.3–164.8 g/kg diet can be used effectively in tilapia diets for improving the growth, digestion activity and immune response.

The potential role of nano-selenium and vitamin C on the performances of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Functional trace elements and vitamins can boost immunity and antioxidative response in aquatic animals without creating environmental hazards. While nano-selenium (Nano-Se) and vitamin C (VC) have been used as immunomodulators and antioxidants in animal and poultry feed, there is little data on Nano-Se and/or VC supplementation in aquatic animals. Thus, the current study evaluated the impact of adding Nano-Se and VC to the diets of Nile tilapia for 8weeks. Four diets were formulated and offered to the fish: no supplementation (control), 1mg Nano-Se/kg, 500mg VC/kg, and 1mg Nano-Se + 500mg VC/kg of food. Growth-related parameters (final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate) were significantly increased in tilapia fed Nano-Se and VC, with a reduced feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). Intestinal villus length and width as well as the number of goblet cells were increased in tilapia fed Nano-Se and/or VC (P < 0.05). Additionally, dietary Nano-Se and/or VC significantly increased nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) level, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, the phagocytic index, and lysozyme and phagocytic activities (P < 0.05). However, significantly reduced levels of malonaldehyde were observed in fish fed Nano-Se and/or VC (P < 0.05). TNF-α and IL-1β gene expressions in the liver and spleen of the fish were significantly upregulated by Nano-Se and/or VC (P < 0.05). The results revealed the potential role of Nano-Se and/or VC in enhancing growth, intestinal morphometry, and immune and antioxidative responses in Nile tilapia.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis WB60 and Lactococcus lactis on Growth, Immune Responses, Histology and Gene Expression in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.

An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of a basal control diet (CON), Bacillus subtilis at 107 (BS7) and at 108 CFU/g diet (BS8), Lactococcus lactis at 107 CFU/g (LL7) and at 108 CFU/g diet (LL8), and oxytetracycline (OTC) at 4 g/kg diet on Nile tilapia. Fish with initial body weight of 2.83 ± 0.05 g (mean ± SD) were fed two times a day. Weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio and lysozyme activity of fish fed BS8, LL8 and LL7 diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed CON diet (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and myeloperoxidase activity of fish fed BS8, LL8, BS7, LL7 and OTC diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed CON diet. Intestinal villi length and muscular layer thickness of fish fed BS8, LL8 and LL7 diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed CON and OTC diets. Also, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), interleukin (IL-1β), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) gene expression of fish fed BS8 and LL8 diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed CON diet. After 13 days of challenge test, cumulative survival rate of fish fed BS8 and LL8 diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed CON, BS7 and OTC diets. Based on these results, B. subtilis and L. lactis at 108 (CFU/g) could replace antibiotics, and have beneficial effects on growth, immunity, histology, gene expression, and disease resistance in Nile tilapia.

Dietary combination of chitosan nanoparticle and thymol affects feed utilization, digestive enzymes, antioxidant status, and intestinal morphology of Oreochromis niloticus

Currently, the use of phytogenic additives and nanoparticles formulation in fish diets raises great worldwide interest. However, studies on the outcomes of their combination in farmed fish feeding are scarce. Hence, an experiment was planned to examine the effect of chitosan nanoparticle (ChNP), thymol (THY) or their mixture (THY + ChNP) supplementation on growth, whole-body composition, hematological profile, biochemical parameters, intestinal bacterial count, digestive enzymes, and intestinal histomorphology of Oreochromis niloticus. Fish (4.97 ± 0.02 g) were randomly distributed into 4 different treatments. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the other three groups were fed diets supplemented with THY (0.5 g/kg diet), ChNP (5 g/kg diet), and THY + ChNP at the same levels. Results showed that interaction synergistic effect was apparent between the supplemented THY and ChNP on the enhancement of feed and protein utilization, lymphocyte count, HCT, MCV, and MCHC values together with catalase, lipase, and protease activities. The individual THYor ChNP addition to the fish diet significantly improved growth performance indicators, feed utilization, erythrogram profile, oxidative stress parameters, lipase enzyme activity, and lipid sedimentation. Intestinal villus length was significantly increased in ChNP and THY + ChNP supplemented groups. A significant drop of the total anaerobic and aerobic intestinal bacterial count was apparent in THY and ChNP supplemented groups. Conclusively, although the individual addition THY or ChNP improved growth and some health indications, a notable synergistic interaction was obvious following their co-addition in most indicators.

P1.58: Significance of the Extent of Intestinal Resection on the Outcome of a Short-bowel Syndrome in a Porcine Model.

Background: Insufficient data are available to determine the most suitable extent of intestinal resection required to induce short-bowel syndrome (SBS) in pigs. This study aimed to compare the three main SBS-models published. Methods: A 75%, 90%, or 100% mid-intestinal resection was performed in groups of n = 5 pigs each. Clinical (body weight, stool consistency) and biochemical (serum eletrolytes, citrulline, albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin) parameters were determined daily, functional (D-xylose resorption) and histological (intestinal villus length) parameters were determined after 2 weeks. A t-test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: Only in the 100% group, we observed a persistent weight loss (13.6 ± 3.8%) and diarrhea, as well as a decrease in prealbumin-levels (41%) and transferrin levels (33%). Serum electrolytes remained stable in all groups during the observation period. Citrulline stabilized at different levels (100% group 13.9 ± 1.0 μmol/L; 90% group 18.8 ± 1.0 μmol/L; 75% group 26.3 ± 1.4 μmol/L; all p < .05). D-xylose resorption was lowest in the 100%, followed by 90% and 75% group (100% group 32.8 ± 4.9 mg/L; 90% group 50.0 ± 19.6 mg/L; 75% group 57.8 ± 8.8 mg/L; p = .393). Intestinal villus length decreased in all groups (100% group 11.0%; 90% group 14.0%; 75% group 19.1%). Conclusions: 75% intestinal resection is less suitable as an SBS model, as animals tend to recover remarkably. The 90% model is suitable for longer-term studies, as animals might survive longer due to partial compensation. Due to severe nutritional, biochemical, and physiological derangements, the 100% model can only be used for acute experiments and those immediately followed by small bowel transplantation.

Growth performance, intestinal morphology and nonspecific immunity response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry cultured in biofloc systems with different carbon sources and input C:N ratios

The current study was conducted to determine the effects of biofloc systems with different carbon sources and C:N ratios on the growth performance, intestinal morphology and nonspecific immunity response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry. The experiment was applied in a 5 × 2 factorial design with 5 different carbon sources and two C:N ratios, comprising 10 treatments for biofloc systems, and a Clearwater system was used as a control. Five different organic carbon sources were tested, in which sugar beet molasses (MO) was progressively replaced with Wheat Flour (WF) including 100% of MO, 75% of MO+ 25% of WF, 50% of MO+ 50% of WF, 25% of MO+ 75% of WF,and 100% of WF. These combinations were applied at two carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratios, i.e. 15:1 and 20:1. The results showed that, growth performance, water nitrogenous parameters, intestinal villus length and diameter as well as humoral immune responses were improved in the fish cultured in biofloc systems with MO and WF combinations as the organic carbon sources at a C:N ratio of 15. Significant improvements were observed in humoral immune responses (lysozyme activity, total protein, albumin, globulin and hemolytic activity) in all biofloc treatments. The time effect was highly significant for water nitrogenous parameters (TAN, NO2 and NO3), meaning that a significant weekly variation existed for all three parameters. Fish in control group had the highest whole body lipid level and lowest protein level compared to the fish treated with biofloc treatments. Finally, Among different biofloc treatment groups, fish in biofloc system with 100% of wheat flour at a C:N ratio of 15:1 showed the highest growth performance with improved intestine histoarchitecture and immune responses.

Effect of the addition of cactus (O. ficus-indica) to the lactating sows' diet on piglet development at lactation and post-weaning

Objective:The aim was to evaluate the effect of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) to the lactating sows’ diet on piglet development at lactation and post-weaning.Materials and Methods:Twenty-four litters of hybrids sows were evaluated in this study. The sows were divided into two groups: Control (CG), sows fed conventionally and experimental (EG), sows fed with commercial fed plus cactus. Post-weaning, the piglets of both groups were monitored up to the 20 kg liveweight (LW). It was evaluated, lactation (in sows): feed intake (FI), milk production (MP), and quality (MQ) and LW of the piglet. Post-weaning (in piglets): FI, LW, and length of intestinal villi (LIV) at 0, 24 h, and 42 days post-weaning.Results:FI sow-1 was higher in EG (p < 0.05). MP, MQ, and LW piglet-1 at weaning were equal (p > 0.05). FI piglet-1 in the sixth and eighth week of age was higher in EG (p < 0.05); at the end of weaning phase, EG presented higher LW (p < 0.05): 8.4% more. LIV of the jejunum were higher (p < 0.05) in EG at 48 h (28.8%) and 42 days post-weaning (29.9%). At day 0, post-weaning LIV of the descending portion was higher (p < 0.05) in CG (1,571.0 μm) versus EG (1,058.0 μm). At day 42, post-weaning LIV of the transverse portion was higher (p < 0.05) in EG: 23.7% higher.Conclusion:Cactus intake in lactating sows does not affect the piglet development. However, post-weaning piglets present higher LIV in jejunum and transverse portion, aspect that improves LW.

Comparative Studies of the Growth Promoting Efficiency of Jerusalem Artichoke and 1-3,1-4,1-6 Yeast Beta-glucan on Broiler Chicks

The present study was designed to evaluate the growth promoting efficacy of Jerusalem Artichoke (JA) in comparison with yeast Beta-glucan (YBG) on the performance of broiler chickens, with special reference to their hematological, biochemical and histophathological effects. Therefore 120 one day-old (Ross 308) broiler chicks were randomly assigned to two experimental (with JA tuber powder 3% and with YBG 0.03% on ration) and control (without any additives) groups. All chicks had free access to feed and water ad libitum for 6weeks. The obtained results showed that JA showed significantly improved average weight gain (AWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), gizzard index weight, intestinal villi length and width and WBCs count than YBG treated chicks than control chicks. Both experimental groups showed a significant improvement in PCV values, Hb Content, RBCs than the control. Moreover, both experimental groups showed a significant reduction on serum total bilirubin, cholesterol and triglycerides levels than control group. From our results we can conclude both JA and YBG could be used as growth promoting agent on broiler chicks. However, JA was superior to YBG on most productive, hematological, biochemical and histopathological criteria.

EFFECT OF COPAIBA OIL IN INTESTINAL MUCOSA OF RATS SUBMITTED TO HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK.

ABSTRACT Background: Hypovolemic shock is a common disease in polytrauma patients and may develop ischemia in various organs, increasing morbidity and mortality. The bowel is usually most affected by this condition. Aim: To evaluate the effects of copaiba oil on the intestinal mucosa’s injury of rats submitted to hypovolemic shock. Method: Fifteen rats were divided into three groups: sham - simulated surgery; ischemia - animals submitted to hypovolemic shock; and copaiba - animals submitted to hypovolemic shock previously treated with copaiba oil. Mean blood pressure, arterial blood gas after shock induction, degree of intestinal lesion and villus length were evaluated. Results: The sham presented the lowest values of lactate and PaCO2 and the highest values of mean arterial pressure, pH and bicarbonate in relation to the other groups. The degree of mesenteric lesion was zero in the sham group; 3.00±1.00 in the ischemia group; and 3.00±0.71 in the copaiba group. The villus length was 173.60±8.42 in the sham, 142.77±8.33 in the ischemia and 143.01±9.57 in the copaiba group. There was a significant difference between the sham and the other groups (p<0.05); however, there not significant difference between groups Ischemia and copaiba. Conclusion: Administration of copaiba oil did not reduce the intestinal mucosa lesion of rats after hypovolemic shock.

Application of FOS and CPP in intestinal health of Weaned Piglets

The present experiment was conducted to study the effects of different levels of oligosaccharide(FOS) and complex CPP preparation(CPP) in diets on growth performance and serum biochemical parameters for weaned piglets. 240 crossbred DLY( Duroc× Landrace× Yorkshire) 21-day-old weaning piglets, about 7.2 kg in initial body weight were selected and randomly divided into 6 groups, with 2 repeats for each group, 20 each repeat(half male and half female.). Group 1, as the control group, fed base diet(BD) , group 2 fed BD adding 0.10% aureomycin, group 3, 4, 5, 6, respectively, fed BD adding 0.05% CPP, 0.05% FOS, 0.20% FOS and 0.10% FOS + 0.05% of CPP. Feeding trial was conducted for 35 days.Results: (1) Intestinal pH: Compared with the control group, the pH values of jejunum, ileum, cecum and colon in the 3, 4, 5 and 6 groups were significantly lower (P &lt; 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the antibiotic group and the control group (P &gt; 0.05).(2) Small intestinal villus morphology: Duodenal segment, villus length of 6 groups was significantly increased compared with the control group (P &lt; 0.05), villus height to recess depth ratio (V/C) was significantly increased (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in villus length between groups in jejunal segment (P &gt; 0.05). Groups five V/C was significantly higher than that in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Compared with the control group and the antibiotic group, the ileal segment in the six groups significantly increased V/C (P &lt; 0.05).(3) Intestinal flora Adding FOS, CPP and their combination could reduce the number of E. coli and Salmonella in different intestinal segments, and increase the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. Among them, the effect of joint addition is the most obvious. Conclusion: Adding FOS and C PP to the diet of weaned piglets could effectively reduce the intestinal pH value of piglets, increase the length of intestinal villi and V/C, reduce the number of harmful bacteria and increase the number of beneficial bacteria. It is beneficial to maintain the balance of intestinal morphology and microflora and improve the intestinal health of piglets. Among them, the combination of 0.10% FOS and 0.05% CPP is the best, followed by 0.20% FOS.

The Benefit of L-Threonine Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Intestinal Morphology and Litter Quality of Broilers.

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary L-Threonine supplementation on broiler performance, carcass characteristics, duodenal histo-morphology and litter analysis. It was hypothesised that the overall broiler performance would be improved in threonine adequate diets with reduced environmental impact when using L-threonine supplementation. A total of 144-sexed Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 3 dietary treatments. Each treatment was replicated 6 times with 8 birds per replicate (4 male and 4 female). Treatment group 1 served as threonine deficient group, fed with a diet with all limiting amino acids met except threonine as no synthetic form was supplied. Treatment group 2 served as threonine adequate high crude protein, where L-Threonine adequacy was achieved with higher level of crude protein. Treatment group 3 served as L-Threonine adequate but achieved it through L-Threonine supplementation. Treatment effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal morphology and litter quality were determined. Results compared to group 1 showed that group 3 at the end of the experimental period (28 days) had improved final body weight P < 0.05, live and carcass weights P < 0.01, dressing yields P < 0.05, relative wing weights P < 0.01 and relative heart weights P < 0.05. However, group 2 showed numeric improvement in all aforementioned parameters but not enough to show significance. Litter moisture and nitrogen content was affected by dietary L-Threonine fortification P < 0.05. The lowest moisture and nitrogen content were noticed in group 3. Meanwhile, group 2 showed the highest nitrogen and group 1 showed the highest moisture content among all groups. Intestinal villi length and villus: crypt ratio was affected by dietary treatments P < 0.001 and P < 0.05 respectively. Group 3 showed the highest villus length and villus: crypt ratio followed by group 2 and group 1. In conclusion correcting L-Threonine deficient diet by adding L-Threonine significantly improved live weight gain and carcass characteristics, while numerically improved feed conversion ratio and breast weight. Correcting the deficit by supplying crude protein had no significant effect. Additionally, dietary L-Threonine supplementation reduced environmental burden by reducing both litter nitrogen and moisture content.

Effects of dietary xylooligosaccharides on growth performance, immunity and Vibrio alginolyticus resistance of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of xylooligosaccharides on growth performance, immunity and Vibriosis alginolyticus resistance of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. Five diets were formulated to contain 0 (T0), 1 (T1), 2 (T2), 4 (T4) and 6 (T6) g/kg of xylooligosaccharides, triplicate groups of 40 shrimps with initial weight of 0.10 ± 0.01 g were fed to apparent satiation four times daily. At the end of the feeding trail, ten shrimps from each tank were challenged with V. alginolyticus. Results showed that shrimps fed xylooligosaccharides containing diets had higher (p < 0.05) feed efficiency, survival rate and intestinal villi length and area than those of T0. There was no significant difference in final body weight, weight gain rate and chemical compositions of whole shrimp among treatments. Shrimps fed T4 and T6 diets had higher (p < 0.05) phenoloxidase and lysozyme activities than those in T0. Concentration of albumin, phenoloxidase activity and survival rate of shrimps decreased (p < 0.05) after 72 hr of challenge, with SR being greater (p < 0.05) in T2, T4 and T6 than that of in T0. Results demonstrate that supplementing 4–6 g/kg of xylooligosaccharides in diets increased feed efficiency, survival rate, intestinal villi length and area, and improved the resistance of juvenile L. vannamei against V. alginolyticus. This study suggests that xylooligosaccharides could be a potential feed additive in practical diet of juvenile L. vannamei.