Jejunal Villus Research Articles

Impact of Rumex nepalensis on Performance, Blood Markers, Immunity, Intestinal Microbiology and Histomorphology in Broiler Chicken.

The study investigated the impact of utilizing Rumex nepalensis leaf powder (RNL) as a phytogenic feed additive on performance, blood markers, intestinal microbiology and histomorphology in broiler chicken. One hundred eighty day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups having three replicates with fifteen birds each. Four iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets primarily based on maize-soybean were formulated, viz., CN (Control)-fed basal diet only; RNL2.5 (basal diet + 2.5 g/kg RNL); RNL5 (basal diet + 5 g/kg RNL); and RNL10 (basal diet + 10 g/kg RNL). The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in dietary treatments compared to CN with best values in RNL10 followed by RNL5. The blood markers like glucose, total protein, creatinine, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) showed no significance (p > 0.05) among all the treatments, however total cholesterol significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in RNL5 and RNL10 as against CN. Regarding immune parameters, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced in RNL5 and RNL10. Antioxidant enzyme status showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in RNL10 compared to CN. Gut health in terms of cecal microbiology and histomorphology of duodenum and jejunum were altered by inclusion of RNL in the broiler diet. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in coliform count was recorded by incorporation of dietary treatments with highest reduction in RNL10. Lactobacillus count and total viable count did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) among dietary treatments and CN. Duodenal and jejunal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in RNL5 and RNL10 compared to RNL2.5 and CN. Thus, it could be concluded that inclusion of Rumex nepalensis leaf powder in the diet resulted in improved performance and better immuno-antioxidant status of broilers. Further, an improvement in the gut health was observed in terms of positive effects on cecal microbiota and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens.

Early Weaning Inhibits Intestinal Stem Cell Expansion to Disrupt the Intestinal Integrity of Duroc Piglets via Regulating the Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling.

There are different stress resistance among different breeds of pigs. Changes in intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are still unclear among various breeds of piglets after early weaning. In the current study, Taoyuan Black and Duroc piglets were slaughtered at 21 days of age (early weaning day) and 24 days of age (3 days after early weaning) for 10 piglets in each group. The results showed that the rate of ISC-driven epithelial renewal in local Taoyuan Black pigs hardly changed after weaning for 3 days. However, weaning stress significantly reduced the weight of the duodenum and jejunum in Duroc piglets. Meanwhile, the jejunal villus height, tight junction-related proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin1), as well as the trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values, were down-regulated after weaning for 3 days in Duroc piglets. Moreover, compared with Unweaned Duroc piglets, the numbers of Olfm4+ ISC cells, PCNA+ mitotic cells, SOX9+ secretory progenitor cells, and Villin+ absorptive cells in the jejunum were reduced significantly 3 days after weaning. And ex vivo jejunal crypt-derived organoids exhibited growth disadvantages in weaned Duroc piglets. Notably, the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling activities and the expression of HO-1 were significantly depressed in weaned Duroc piglets compared to Unweaned Duroc piglets. Thus, we can conclude that ISCs of Duroc piglets were more sensitive to weaning stress injury than Taoyuan Black piglets, and Keap1/Nrf2 signaling is involved in this process.

Productive, internal organ and intestinal histomorphological characteristics of broiler chickens in response to dietary rapeseed meal: A meta-analysis.

The use of rapeseed as a source of protein in broiler chicken diets has been highlighted. However, there are inconsistent findings on the performance data of broiler chickens fed rapeseed meal (RSM). Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to resolve the inconsistent findings on the effect of RSM on growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organs, and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens, identify knowledge gaps and create new insights using published data. Fourteen studies on the topic were identified via a systematic search performed on bibliographic databases, and the data generated was analysed using OpenMEE software. A random-effects model was used, and effect sizes were presented as standardised mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Sources of heterogeneity were evaluated using broiler strains, inclusion levels, processing methods, rearing phases and sex as moderators. In comparison with the controls, the results showed that RSM decreased feed intake (SMD = -0.29; 95% Cl: -0.41, -0.18; p < 0.001), average daily gain (SMD = -0.48; 95% Cl: -0.63, -0.32; p < 0.001), and liver weight (SMD = 1.24; 95% Cl: 0.78, 1.71; p < 0.001), but had no effect on feed conversion ratio (SMD = 0.10; 95% Cl: -0.05, 0.23; p = 0.19). Likewise, broiler chickens fed RSM had significantly reduced carcass yield, weights of thigh, abdominal fat and heart when compared with the control. Results indicate that duodenum villus height (DVH) and jejunum villus height (JVH)/crypt depth (CD) ratios were improved in broiler chickens fed RSM. Meta-regression revealed that the analysed moderators are significant predictors of feed intake, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in broiler chickens. In conclusion, dietary RSM negatively influenced growth performance, liver weight and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens, but improved aspects of intestinal histomorphology traits. Therefore, innovative research on processing methods that will improve the feeding value of rapeseed meal in broiler chickens is recommended.

Probiotic Bacillus subtilis QST713 improved growth performance and enhanced the intestinal health of yellow-feather broilers challenged with coccidia and Clostridium perfringens

In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Bacillus subtilis (QST713) on the performance and intestinal health of yellow feather broilers under Coccidia and Clostridium perfringens (CP) challenge or CP alone. One-day-old yellow-feathered broiler roosters (n = 600) were randomly assigned to 5 groups (6 replicates with 20 roosters per replicate): the Con blank group, the CIC.p group (d24 Coccidia+d28-30 of CP challenge), the CIC.p + BS group (CIC.p +100 mg/kg B. subtilis), the C.p group (d 28-34 of CP challenge), and the C.p +BS group (C.p +100 mg/kg B. subtilis). The experiment lasted 80 d. The birds were evaluated for parameters such as average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed efficiency (F/G), intestinal lesion score, villus histomorphometry, intestinal tight junctions, inflammatory factors, and cecal microorganisms. The results revealed that 1) C.p. increased the F/G of broilers from 22 to 42 d (P < 0.05), whereas CIC.p. significantly decreased the 42 d and 80 d body weights (BW) and 22-42 d and 1-80 d ADG (P < 0.05) and significantly increased the 22 to 42 d and 1 to 80 d F/G (P < 0.05). The number of intestinal lesions significantly increased at 35 d and 42 d (P < 0.05). CIC.p significantly decreased the jejunum and ileum villus height (VH) and the ileum villus height/crypt depth (P < 0.05) at 35 d. The challenge significantly upregulated the expression of Claudin-1 and IL-4 mRNAs in the jejunum at 35 d and significantly downregulated the expression of IL-10 mRNA in the ileum at 35 d (P < 0.05); the number of unique OTUs in the challenge group decreased significantly after challenge treatment, and the relative abundances of Romboutsia at 35 d and Cladomyces and Lactobacillus at 42 d decreased significantly (P < 0.05). 2) Compared with the challenge groups, the addition of BS decreased the F/G of broilers from 22 to 42 d. Compared with the CIC group, the addition of BS significantly increased the F/G of broilers from 22 to 42 d. Compared with that in the CIC.p group, the addition of BS significantly increased the VH in the jejunum and ileum at 35 d (P < 0.05). Compared with the challenge groups, the BS groups presented significantly lower mRNA expression levels of Claudin-1 (P < 0.05) in the jejunum at 35 d. The Shannon and Chao indices suggested that BS increased the alpha diversity of cecum microorganisms in broilers. Dietary supplementation with B. subtilis can alleviate the damage to intestinal morphology and intestinal barrier function, as well as the altered cecal flora structure in broilers caused by Coccidia and C. perfringens infections.

PSI-25 Improvements in the jejunal villus morphometry and increases in the number of goblet cells with the addition of humic substances from vermicompost in weaned pigs

Abstract An experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effects of the addition of humic substances (HS) from vermicompost in the feed on the histology measurements and number of goblet cells in the jejunal villus in piglets at weaning. Piglets (n = 200) were housed in groups of five in elevated pens and were assigned to one of four treatments: 1 = Positive control diet (PC) with antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), 2 = Negative control diet (NC) without AGP, 3 and 4 = Diets without AGP added with 2500 and 5000 ppm HS, respectively. HS were extracted from a vermicompost made of sheep and pig manure using an alkaline solution and added in dry form to the feed. A basal sample of 5 cm of jejunum was taken from 10 piglets at weaning; the same was done on d 3 and 7 post-weaning, selecting 5 piglets per treatment. The samples were processed to apply different stains: () eosin and hematoxylin for morphometric analysis: villus height, villus thickness, villus area, crypt depth and the villus eight to crypt depth ratio; 2) Pass Schiff to quantify neutral goblet cells; 3) Alcian Blue pH 1.0 for heavily sulfated goblet cells; and 4) Alcian Blue pH 2.5 for non-sulfated acid goblet cells. Ten villi per animal were evaluated. Images were analyzed with Leica interactive measurement software. The results were subjected to ANOVA in a randomized complete block design. Regarding the histology of villus in the jejunum, on d 3 post-weaning the pigs added with HS had a greater villus height (3 = 317.75, 4 = 310.46 vs 2 = 278.08 and 1 = 307.12 µm; P &amp;lt; 0.05; SEM = 10.86), villus width (3 = 94.64, 4 = 95.04 vs 2 = 85.39, and 1 = 93.51 µm; P &amp;lt; 0.01; SEM = 2.32); and villus area (3 = 95841, 4 = 93678 Vs 2 = 76646 and 1 = 93471 µm2; P &amp;lt; 0.01; SEM = 4343), compared with the NC. The crypt depth was greater in piglets added with HS (3 = 236.78, 4 = 241.85 vs 1 = 194.65 and 2 = 203.01 µm; P &amp;lt; 0.01; SEM = 6.57) compared with the PC and NC. On d 7 postweaning, the piglets added with HS showed greater villus height (3 = 293.24, 4 = 282.45 vs 1 = 258.95 and 2 = 253.03 µm; P &amp;lt; 0.01; SEM = 7.89); villus area (3 = 101354, 4 = 94,575 vs 1 = 85,633 and 2 = 82,125 µm2; P &amp;lt; 0.01; SEM = 3818) and crypt depth (3 = 326.82, 4 = 337.28 vs 2 = 283.88 and 1 = 321.53 µm; P &amp;lt; 0.01; SEM = 8.285) compared with the PC and NC. The number of neutral, heavily sulfated and non-sulfated goblet cells at 3 and 7 d post-weaning were significantly reduced in all treatments compared with weaning; but with the addition of HS a greater number (P &amp;lt; 0.05) of goblet cells per villus were shown. The results suggest that HS from vermicompost improves the intestinal morphometry and increases the number of goblet cells that produce protective intestinal mucus at 3 and 7 d post-weaning in pigs.

PSII-16 Effect of dietary β-mannanase on growth performance, immune organ weight, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens: A meta-analysis

Abstract Beta-mannan (β-mannan) is commonly found in various feedstuffs and is well-recognized as an anti-nutritional factor for non-ruminant animals. In broiler chickens, dietary β-mannan is known to increase digesta viscosity, which is highly associated with decreased growth performance and intestinal health. Moreover, dietary β-mannan comprises surface components of various pathogens, which are recognized by innate immune systems, leading to an over-stimulation of immune system. This over-expression of immune system by dietary β-mannan is likely considered the reason for decreased performance and health in broiler chickens. One potential solution to mitigate this antinutritional effect of dietary β-mannan is the supplementation of exogenous β-mannanase in broiler diets. Previous studies have demonstrated that dietary supplementation of β-mannanase improves growth performance, immune responses, and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens by improving nutrient digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. However, existing research on the effect of dietary supplementation of β-mannanase has shown highly variable results, possibly due to large variations in experimental designs such as number of animals, animal genotype, experimental locations, and rearing conditions. Therefore, to obtain a comprehensive understanding of previously reported various results regarding the effect of dietary β-mannanase, it is necessary to integrate them into quantitative analysis through meta-analysis. Subsequently, the objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis summarizing the outcomes of the effect of dietary β-mannanase on growth performance, immune organ weight, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 27 eligible studies were identified through a comprehensive literature search conducted on Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar between January 2003 and December 2023. The meta-analysis was performed with the package “metafor” of the R software version 4.1.3. (R Core Team, 2023), and the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the random effect model. The results indicated that dietary supplementation of β-mannanase increased body weight gain (SMD = 2.09; 95% CI: 0.77 to 3.41; P = 0.003) and decreased feed conversion ratio (SMD = -2.98; 95% CI: -4.21 to -1.75; P &amp;lt; 0.001) in broiler chickens (Table 1). Regarding intestinal morphology, dietary supplementation of β-mannanase increased jejunal villus height and crypt depth ratio (SMD = 2.07; 95% CI: 0.03 to 4.11; P = 0.048) and ileal villus height (SMD =2.06; 95% CI: 1.13 to 3.00; P = 0.002; Figure 1 and 2). Moreover, dietary supplementation of β-mannanase increased the relative spleen weight (SMD = 1.30; 95% CI: 0.25 to 2.36; P = 0.019) in broiler chickens. In conclusion, the current meta-analysis reveals that dietary supplementation of β-mannanase improves growth performance, intestinal morphology, and the relative spleen weight in broiler chickens.

Caecal villi? A comparative histological and morphometric study of caecal and jejunal mucosa in adult rabbits

BackgroundRabbits are herbivores with a distinctive digestive strategy that differs significantly from other caecal fermenters (e.g., horses, guinea pigs) and ruminants. In view of this, the current study aimed to highlight distinctive histological and morphometric features of the caecal mucosa in adult rabbits that accentuate its major role in digestion. The caecal and jejunal samples were harvested from five 1-year-old domestic rabbits and processed by regular paraffin-embedding histological technique followed by Goldner’s trichrome staining. A comprehensive morphological and morphometrical analysis of the jejunal mucosa vs. caecal mucosa was performed.ResultsMicroscopically, as in the case of the jejunal mucosa, the caecal mucosa presents long and often branched finger-like villi covered by a simple columnar epithelium mostly made of enterocytes with a prominent microvillous brush border. Besides, the caecal villi include a lacteal along with the villous muscle. Statistically, except for villus length, all the parameters assessed in the caecal mucosa, including villus width, villus count, thickness of the brush border and enterocyte/goblet cells ratio, revealed a high grade of similarities with the jejunal villi.ConclusionsAccording to the obtained results, the caecal mucosa in adult domestic rabbits includes unique features, namely caecal villi, structures infrequently presented in the large intestine of other adult mammals. Those structures once more emphasize the major role of the caecum not only in fermentation but also subliminally in local absorption. To our knowledge, this is the first reliable microanatomical and morphometric report of caecal villi in adult domestic rabbits.

Modulation of Intestinal Histology and Immune Functions Using Different Level of Salvia Indica Supplementations with Stocking Density in Local Quails

Under the direction of Salahaddin University in Erbil's College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, study was carried out to investigate how local quail performed biochemically, histologically, and immune-wise when varied levels of Salvia indica (SI) additive were added at high stocking density. For a 42-day trial, 216 one-week-old local quails were divided into four treatments at random, with three replicates for each treatment, in cages measuring 60 by 30 by 25 centimeters. The following was the design of the feed treatments: Positive control (12 birds/replicate), Negative control 20 birds per replicate at a high stocking density, 20 birds per replicate plus 0.2% of SI additive, and 20 birds per replicate plus 0.4% of SI additive. When compared to a negative control, the results indicated that 0.4% SI supplements with high stocking density produced the best live body weight and weight gain. When compared to positive and negative controls, the cholesterol level of female quails considerably (P&lt;0.05) decreased in both SI with high stocking density; however, no significant variations were seen with either of the SI additives with high stoking density. Furthermore, when compared to the positive control, the LDL content in female quails was considerably (P&lt;0.05) reduced by both supplements of SI with high stocking density and negative control. When treated with SI, the height of the jejunum villus was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than when treated with both positive and negative controls. The size of Fabricius follicles was significantly (P&lt;0.05) enhanced by the addition of SI treatments, but no significant difference was seen between the two SI additives with high stocking density. In summary, adding Salvia indica to a diet with high stocking density enhanced the quail population's biochemical markers, immunological response, and jejunum histology.

Dietary xylo-oligosaccharides alleviates LPS-induced intestinal injury via endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial system pathway in piglets.

The beneficial effects of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) on the intestine have been widely reported, including anti-inflammation, antioxidant, maintenance of intestinal epithelial barrier, and treatment of intestinal injury. However, the specific mechanism of XOS in mitigating intestinal injury in weaned piglets remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the specific mechanism of XOS in mitigating intestinal injury. The study is a complete randomized design with 24 weaned piglets in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement that includes diet treatments (basal diet vs 0.02% XOS) and immunological challenge [saline vs lipopolysaccharide (LPS)]. All piglets were fed a basal diet or a XOS diet for 21 days. On day 22, all piglets received an injection of LPS or saline. In this study, dietary XOS increased jejunal villus height, reduced crypt depth and oxidative stress, and enhanced the gene and protein expression of Claudin-1, Occludin, and zonula occludens 1 (P < 0.05). The piglets fed the XOS diet had lower serum Diamine oxidase activity and D-lactic acid content (P < 0.05). In addition, dietary XOS regulates endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria system function and the expression of key molecules, including mitochondrial dynamics dysfunction [mitofusin (Mfn)-1, optic atrophy 1, fission 1, and dynamin-related protein 1], ER stress [activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), ATF6, C/EBP homologous protein, eukaryotic initiation factor 2α, glucose-regulated protein (GRP) 78, GRP94 and protein kinase R-like ER kinase] and the mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAM) disorders (Mfn2, GRP75 and voltage-dlependent anion channel 1) (P < 0.05). Therefore, the findings to indicate that dietary XOS is effective against LPS-induced jejunal injury may be attributed to its ability to alleviate mitochondrial dynamics dysfunction, ER stress, and MAM disorders.

Evaluation of the growth performance, meat quality, and gut microbiota of broilers fed diets containing walnut green husk extract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of walnut green husk extract (WGHe) on the growth performance, meat quality, antioxidative status, gut morphology, and microbiota diversity of broilers. A total of 216 one-day-old broilers were divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 9 replicates (6 birds per replicate) as follows: 1) control group, basal diet; 2) antibiotic group, basal diet supplemented with enduracidin and colistin sulfate; 3) low-dose group, basal diet supplemented with 5.0 g/kg WGHe; and 4) high-dose group, basal diet supplemented with 10.0 g/kg WGHe. The results revealed that the percentage of abdominal fat decreased, and the ratio of the duodenal villus length to crypt depth (V/C), as well as the α-diversity of the ileal microbiota, increased with 10.0 g/kg WGHe supplementation (P < 0.05). The shear force of the breast muscle and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration decreased, whereas the plasma peroxidase (POD) activity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and jejunal villus length increased in response to WGHe supplementation (P < 0.05). Compared with the antibiotic diet, the addition of 5.0 g/kg WGHe resulted in a significant increase in the relative abundances of Candidatus Arthromitus, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the addition of 10.0 g/kg WGHe increased the relative abundances of Candidatus Arthromitus and Lachnoclostridium, whereas the relative abundance of unidentified Chloroplast decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 10.0 g/kg WGHe is advantageous for intestinal health, meat quality, and antioxidant status in broilers, suggesting its potential as a functional additive in poultry production.

Effects of Akkermansia muciniphila on Gut Morphology, Antioxidant Indices, and Gut Microbiome of Mice Under Heat Stress.

Nutritional manipulations can reduce the detrimental effects of heat stress on animal health and production. Akkermansia muciniphila (AM) is an innovative beneficial bacteria and can be used for conventional use as dietary supplements and pharmaceutical application. This study aimed to investigate the effects of administering AM on gut morphology, antioxidant indices, and gut microbiome of mice during heat stress. A total of 24 BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to three groups including the control group (CON), heat stress group (HS), and AM administration under heat stress group (AM). Our results showed heat stress significantly increased the water consumption of mice. Administration of AM did not improve feed intake or weight gain. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase as well as antioxidant parameters were not different among the three groups. Heat stress decreased the jejunal villus height, and AM could reverse this effect. AM administration significantly increased the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobiota at the phylum level. At the genus level, heat stress and AM groups tended to have a lower abundance of Alloprevotella. In addition, AM tended to increase the relative abundance of [Eubacterium]_xylanophilum_group in comparison with the other two groups. In summary, administration of AM can alleviate the damage of heat stress to the jejunum. However, it has no effect on serum antioxidant parameters, and its effect on the cecal microbiota is limited.

Effects of dietary fat sources on growth performance, lipid metabolism and intestinal health of weaned piglets

ABSTRACT We investigated the effect of different fat sources on growth performance and intestinal health in weaned piglets. A total of 72 21-day-old weaned piglets were divided into 3 groups the CON group with 2.5% soybean oil, TRE1 with 2.5% emulsified balanced oil powder and TRE2 with 2.5% emulsified coconut oil powder. These two experimental oil powders were emulsified with the emulsifier (lysophospholipid). The average daily feed intake in TRE1 was significantly higher than that in CON (P < 0.05). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of ash in TRE1 was significantly higher than that in CON (P < 0.05). Compared with CON, TRE1 tended to improve ATTD of dry matter (P = 0.075), serum triglyceride (P = 0.062) and serum-free fatty acids (P = 0.090). The jejunal villus width of piglets in TRE1 and TRE2 was significantly increased (P < 0.05) and the duodenal crypt depth was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with CON, TRE1 significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of jejunal Occludin, Claudin-1 and ZO-1 (P < 0.05). From the results of the present study, we concluded that dietary supplementation of 2.5% emulsified balanced oil powder has more obvious effects on enhancing the growth performance of weaned piglets by improving lipid metabolism, intestinal tissue development and barrier function.

Dietary probiotic based on a dual-strain B. subtilis improves immunity, intestinal health and growth performance of broiler chickens.

The study investigated the effects of dietary probiotic of dual-strain Bacillus subtilis (BS) on production performance, intestinal barrier parameters, and microbiota in broiler chickens. In a randomized trial, male broiler chickens were allocated into three groups, a control group (basal diet), BS300 group (basal diet with 300mg/kg BS), and BS500 group (basal diet with 500mg/kg BS). The inclusion of 500mg/kg BS significantly reduced the feed conversion ratio by 4.55% during the starting phase. Both 300 and 500mg/kg BS supplementation increased jejunal villus height (by 17.89% and 24.8%, respectively) significantly and decreased jejunal crypt depth (by 27.2% and 31.9%, respectively) on day 21. The addition of 500mg/kg BS significantly elevated the gene expression of occludin on day 35. Moreover, BS supplementation enhanced cytokine levels and immunoglobulins in both serum and jejunal mucosa. Microbial analysis indicated that BS increased the abundance of potential probiotics (Sutterella) and butyrate-producing bacteria (Lachnoclostridium, Tyzzerella, Anaerostipes, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_13, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-010). The abundances of Anaerostipes and Sutterella, are significantly correlated with growth performance and immune function. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with BS improved the growth performance, potentially through the regulation of immunity, intestinal barrier function, and microbiota in broilers. Notably, 500mg/kg of BS exhibited more benefits for broilers compared to the 300mg/kg.

Dietary supplementation of protease and organic acid in poultry by-product meal-based diet in broilers

Objective: This study investigated the impact of supplementation of protease and organic acid on growth performance and other biological parameters in broilers fed poultry byproduct meal (PBM) based diet.Methods: Five hundred 1-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were distributed into five treatments with 5 replicates, each pen having 20 birds, and fed each group one of five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets in two phases: stater phase (1 to 21 days) metabolizable energy (ME) 3000 kcal/kg; crude protein (CP) 22%, and a finisher phase (22 to 35 days) ME 3,200 kcal/kg; CP 19.5%. The dietary treatments were: i) standard broiler ration (Cont); ii) The control diet with 25% of the soybean meal replaced by PBM on an equivalent protein basis (PBM); iii) PBM diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg of protease (PBMP); iv) PBM diet supplemented with 1 g/kg organic acid (PBMO); and v) PBM diet addition with 0.5 g/kg protease and 1 g/kg organic acid (PBMPO).Results: The overall data showed that feed conversion ratio was improved (p&lt;0.05) in the PBMP group. Apparent CP digestibility was higher (p&lt;0.05) in both Cont and PBMP groups. Jejunal villus height increased (p&lt;0.05) in PBMP and PBMPO groups, while only the PBMO group exhibited a higher (p&lt;0.05) crypt depth. Lipase activity was increased (p&lt;0.05) in the PBMP, PBMO, and PBMPO dietary treatments. However, trypsin activity showed a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in the PBMP and PBMO groups. Serum biochemistry increased (p&lt;0.05) globulin and total protein levels in the PBMP group.Conclusion: PBM could partially replace the soybean meal with supplementation of either protease or organic acid in broiler diets without impairing overall growth performance. Furthermore, careful optimization must be considered when combining protease and organic acids.

Maternal consumption of fish oil protected breast-fed piglets against Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide-induced damage through reshaping of intestinal fatty acids profile.

It has been well documented that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) can alleviate inflammation caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) lipopolysaccharides (LPS), the etiologic agents that causing yellow or white dysentery in young pigs. However, it remains unclear whether the increase in n-3 PUFA availability could enhance the ability of nursery pigs to resist invasion by E. coli. LPS. Twenty-four 21-day-old female piglets, each two of them from the same sow fed the beef tallow (BT) or fish oil (FO) diets, were allocated into four treatment groups: BT-CON, piglets from the BT-fed sows and intraperitoneally injected with saline (9 g/L); BT-LPS, piglets from the BT-fed sows and injected with LPS (100 μg/kg body weight); FO-CON, piglets from the FO-fed sows and injected with saline; FO-LPS, piglets from the FO-fed sows and injected with LPS. Following 2 h of LPS challenge, the magnitudes of increase in body temperature approached to a marked (p < 0.01) difference between the BT-CON and BT-LPS piglets, whereas the dramatic (p < 0.01) difference between the FO-CON and FO-LPS piglets was only observed at 4 h post LPS challenge. The body temperature averaged across the time points evaluated was about 0.2°C lower (p < 0.05) in the FO group than in the BT group. The FO group had lower (p < 0.05) mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, lower increase in serum interleukin (IL)-1β (p < 0.10) and IL-8 (p < 0.05) levels, higher (p < 0.01) serum albumin concentration, and higher (p = 0.10) ratios of jejunum villus height to crypt depth than the BT group. The FO group had much higher (p < 0.0001) ileal content of C20:5n3, C24:0, and C22:6n3, which were 2-4 times the content of the BT group. LPS challenge resulted in decreased (p < 0.05) intestinal C20:1 and C20:5n3 content, and the decrease (p < 0.05) in intestinal C20:3n6 and C24:1 content was observed in the BT-LPS piglets rather than in the FO-LPS piglets. Taken together, this study indicated that maternal consumption of fish oil protected breast-fed piglets against E. coli LPS-induced damage through reshaping of intestinal fatty acids profile, which sheds new light on the development of nutritional strategies to enhance the ability of young pigs to resist E. coli invasion.

The protective effects of Lactobacillus SNK-6 on growth, organ health, and intestinal function in geese exposed to low concentration Aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a prevalent mycotoxin present in feed ingredients. In this study, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) on the Landes geese exposed to AFB1. The 300 one-day-old Landes geese were randomly divided into five groups: The control group received a basic diet, while the other groups were fed a basic diet supplemented with 10 μg/kg AFB1, 10 μg/kg AFB1+ 4*108 cfu/g L. salivarius, 50 μg/kg AFB1, and 50 μg/kg AFB1 + 4*108 cfu/g L. salivarius for 63 d. Results showed that high level AFB1 exposure significantly decreased final BW and ADG, increased feed/gain ratio (F/G) and liver index (P < 0.05). L. salivarius improved levels of IL-1, IL-6, and IL-12 under low level of AFB1 exposure (P < 0.05), along with similar trends observed in serum IgA, IgG, IgM, T3, T4, TNF-ɑ, and EDT (P < 0.05). AFB1 exposure reduced jejunum villus high and villus high/crypt depth ratio, and suppressed expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 mRNA, and significant improved with L. salivarius supplementation under low level AFB1 exposure (P < 0.05). AFB1 significantly increased expression levels of TLR3 and NF-kB1, with supplementation of L. salivarius showing significant improvement under low AFB1 exposure (P < 0.05). Cecal microbiota sequencing revealed that under low level AFB1 exposure, supplementation with L. salivarius increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Lactococcus. In summary, supplementation with 4*108 cfu/g L. salivarius under 10 μg/kg AFB1 exposure improved growth performance and immune capacity, enhanced jejunum morphology, reduced liver inflammation, altered the cecal microbial structure, and positively affected the growth and development of geese.

Novel insights into gut health: Cilostazol strengthens gut integrity by adjusting TLR-2/NF-κB/IL-23 and CD44/AKT/GSK-3β/cyclin-D1 trajectories in methotrexate-induced mucositis model

Methotrexate (MTX)-induced gastrointestinal mucositis is a common adverse effect characterized by redox imbalance and overproduction of inflammatory mediators that perturb intestinal integrity. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for this condition and its prevention is still far beyond comprehension. Because of its pleiotropic pharmacological actions, we aimed to explore the potential mechanisms through which cilostazol (CILO) can protect against MTX-induced intestinal mucositis. Wistar rats were allocated into 4 groups, control, CILO (100 mg/kg, p.o for 14 days), MTX (7.5 mg/kg for 4 successive days), and CILO + MTX. The improving effect of CILO on the morphological structure was confirmed by an upturn in the histopathological and transition electron microscope examinations evidenced by the increased jejunal villus height/width and the crypt depth besides the maintenance of tight junctions. These findings were verified biochemically; on the molecular level, CILO reduced the MTX-induced lipid peroxidation, cleaved caspase-3, p53, and the inflammatory parameters (TLR-2, NF-κB, IL-23, TNF-α, IL-1β), while increasing the anti-inflammatory marker IL-10 and the antioxidant enzyme SOD. Moreover, CILO decreased the injurious axis AKT/GSK-3β/cyclin-D1, and CD44+, but increased the immunoexpression of the cell proliferating marker PCNA. CILO also upheld the intestinal barrier by enhancing the tight junction molecules (ZO-1, claudin-4) and the E-cadherin/β-catenin complex while abating the mesenchymal marker vimentin. In conclusion, CILO protected gut integrity by reducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, the MTX-induced oxidative, apoptotic, and inflammatory mediators, and turning off the CD44/AKT/GSK-3β/cyclin D1 trajectory and intensifying the expression of PCNA.

Effect of oral administration of microcin Y on growth performance, intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota of chicks challenged with Salmonella Pullorum

The lasso peptide microcin Y (MccY) effectively inhibits various serotypes of Salmonella in vitro, but the antibacterial effect against S. Pullorum in poultry is still unclear. This study was the first to evaluate the safety and anti-S. Pullorum infection of MccY in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks. The safety test showed that the body weight, IgA and IgM levels of serum, and cecal microbiota structure of 3 groups of chicks orally administrated with different doses of MccY (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg) for 14 days were not significantly different from those of the control group. Then, the chicks were randomized into 3 groups for the experiment of anti-S. Pullorum infection: (I) negative control group (NC), (II) S. Pullorum-challenged group (SP, 5 × 108 CFU/bird), (III) MccY-treated group (MccY, 20 mg/kg). The results indicated that compared to the SP group, treatment of MccY increased body weight and average daily gain (P < 0.05), reduced S. Pullorum burden in feces, liver, and cecum (P < 0.05), enhanced the thymus, and decreased the spleen and liver index (P < 0.05). Additionally, MccY increased the jejunal villus height, lowered the jejunal and ileal crypt depth (P < 0.05), and upregulated the expression of IL-4, IL-10, ZO-1 in the jejunum and ileum, as well as CLDN-1 in the jejunum (P < 0.05) compared to the SP group. Furthermore, MccY increased probiotic flora (Barnesiella, etc.), while decreasing (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of pathogenic flora (Escherichia and Salmonella, etc.) compared to the SP group.

Investigation of the nutritional and functional roles of a combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

BackgroundXylanase and β-glucanase combination (XG) hydrolyzes soluble non-starch polysaccharides that are anti-nutritional compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of XG on intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs.MethodsForty pigs (6.5 ± 0.4 kg) were assigned to 5 dietary treatments and fed for 35 d in 3 phases (11, 9, and 15 d, respectively). Basal diets mainly included corn, soybean meal, and corn distiller’s dried grains with solubles, contained phytase (750 FTU/kg), and were supplemented with 5 levels of XG at (1) 0, (2) 280 TXU/kg xylanase and 125 TGU/kg β-glucanase, (3) 560 and 250, (4) 840 and 375, or (5) 1,120 and 500, respectively. Growth performance was measured. On d 35, all pigs were euthanized and jejunal mucosa, jejunal digesta, jejunal tissues, and ileal digesta were collected to determine the effects of increasing XG levels and XG intake on intestinal health.ResultsIncreasing XG intake tended to quadratically decrease (P = 0.059) viscosity of jejunal digesta (min: 1.74 mPa·s at 751/335 (TXU/TGU)/kg). Increasing levels of XG quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) Prevotellaceae (min: 0.6% at 630/281 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing XG intake quadratically increased (P < 0.05) Lactobacillaceae (max: 40.3% at 608/271 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing XG intake quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) Helicobacteraceae (min: 1.6% at 560/250 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing levels of XG tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.073) jejunal IgG and tended to quadratically increase (P = 0.085) jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio (max: 2.62 at 560/250 (TXU/TGU)/kg). Increasing XG intake tended to linearly increase the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.087) and ether extract (P = 0.065). Increasing XG intake linearly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain.ConclusionsA combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase would hydrolyze the non-starch polysaccharides fractions, positively modulating the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota. Increased intake of these enzyme combination possibly reduced digesta viscosity and humoral immune response in the jejunum resulting in improved intestinal structure, and ileal digestibility of nutrients, and finally improving growth of nursery pigs. The beneficial effects were maximized at a combination of 550 to 800 TXU/kg xylanase and 250 to 360 TGU/kg β-glucanase.

45 Awardee Talk: Investigation of the nutritional and functional roles of a combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs affected by dietary supplementation of increasing levels of xylanase and b-glucanase combinations. Pigs [n = 40; initial body weight (BW) = 6.5 ± 0.4 kg] were assigned to 5 dietary treatments and fed for 35 d in 3 phases (11, 9, and 15 d, respectively). Basal diets mainly included corn, soybean meal, and distiller’s dried grains with solubles with phytase (750 FTU/kg) supplemented with 5 levels of xylanase and b-glucanase combinations (NSPase) at 1) 0, 2) 280 TXU/kg xylanase and 125 TGU/kg b-glucanase, 3) 560 and 250, 4) 840 and 375, or 5) 1,120 and 500, respectively. Growth performance and fecal score were measured for each phase. On d 35, all pigs were euthanized and collected jejunal mucosa, jejunal digesta, jejunal tissues, and ileal digesta to determine the effects of increasing NSPase levels (%) and NSPase intake on jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota, jejunal digesta viscosity, immune responses, intestinal morphology, feed digestibility, and growth performance. Increasing NSPase level quadratically decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Bacteroidetes (min: 0.7% at 636 TXU/kg and 284 TGU/kg), Prevotellaceae (min: 0.6% at 630 TXU/kg and 281 TGU/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing NSPase intake quadratically increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Firmicutes (max: 72.7% at 604 TXU/kg and 270 TGU/kg), Lactobacillaceae (max: 40.3% at 608 TXU/kg and 271 TGU/kg), and Lactobacillus (max: 40.3% at 608 TXU/kg and 271 TGU/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing NSPase intake also quadratically decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Proteobacteria (min: 3.8% at 562 TXU/kg and 251 TGU/kg), Helicobacteraceae (min: 1.6% at 560 TXU/kg and 250 TGU/kg), and Helicobacter (min: 1.6% at 560 TXU/kg and 250 TGU/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing NSPase intake tended to quadratically decrease (P = 0.059) viscosity of jejunal digesta reaching the minimum (1.74 mPa·s) at 751 TXU/kg and 335 TGU/kg. Increasing NSPase level tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.073) jejunal IgG and tended to quadratically increase (P = 0.085) jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio reaching the maximum (2.62) at 560 TXU/kg and 250 TGU/kg. Increasing NSPase intake tended to linearly increase the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.087) and ether extract (P = 0.065). Increasing NSPase intake linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain (ADG). In conclusion, increasing the combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase positively modulated jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota, reduced jejunal digesta viscosity, reduced intestinal humoral immune response, enhanced villus morphology, increased ileal digestibility of nutrients, and increased growth of nursery pigs. The beneficial effects were maximized when xylanase and β-glucanase were supplemented at a range of 550 to 800 TXU/kg and 246 to 357 TGU/kg, respectively.