Longer Villi Research Articles

Phenotypic flexibility in metabolic adjustments and digestive function in white-shouldered starlings: responses to short-term temperature acclimation.

Changing the intrinsic rate of metabolic heat production is the main adaptive strategy for small birds to cope with different ambient temperatures. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the small passerine the white-shouldered starling (Sturnus sinensis) can modulate basal metabolism under temperature acclimation by changing the morphological, physiological and biochemical state of its tissues and organs. We measured the effects of temperature on body mass, basal metabolic rate (BMR), wet mass of various internal organs, state 4 respiration (S4R) and cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity in the pectoral muscle and organs, metabolites in the pectoral muscle, energy intake, histological dynamics and the activity of duodenal digestive enzymes. Warm acclimation decreased BMR to a greater extent than cold acclimation. At the organ level, birds in the cold-acclimated group had significantly heavier intestines but significantly lighter pectoral muscles. At the cellular level, birds in the cold-acclimated group showed significantly higher S4R in the liver and heart and CCO activity in the liver and kidney at both the mass-specific and whole-organ levels. A metabolomic analysis of the pectoral tissue revealed significantly higher lipid decomposition, amino acid degradation, ATP hydrolysis, and GTP and biotin synthesis in cold-acclimated birds. Acclimation to cold significantly increased the gross energy intake (GEI), feces energy (FE) and digestive energy intake (DEI) but significantly decreased the digestive efficiency of these birds. Furthermore, cold-acclimated birds had a higher maltase activity and longer villi in the duodenum. Taken together, these data show that white-shouldered starlings exhibit high phenotypic flexibility in metabolic adjustments and digestive function under temperature acclimation, consistent with the notion that small birds cope with the energy challenges presented by a cold environment by modulating tissue function in a way that would affect BMR.

Complexed amino acid minerals vs. bis-glycinate chelated minerals: Impact on the performance of old laying hens

The present study was to evaluate the effect of trace minerals (Zn, Mn, and Cu) from complexed amino acid minerals (ZMCAA) and bis-glycinate chelated minerals (ZMCGly) in laying hen diets on performance, internal and external egg quality, yolk mineral deposition, intestinal morphometry, and bone characteristics. From 78 to 98 weeks of age, 400 White LSL-Lite strain laying hens were distributed in a randomized design with 4 treatments with 10 replicates per treatment. Treatments were distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement using either Zn, Mn, and Cu of ZMCAA or ZMCGly source at 2 levels: low (20, 20, and 3.5 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively) or high (40, 40, and 7 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively). The analysis of variance was performed, and in cases where differences were observed, the means were compared using Tukey's test (P < 0.05). The source and level of trace mineral supplementation had a significant impact on the performance of laying hens. Hens fed ZMCAA had higher egg production (P = 0.01), egg weight (P = 0.02), egg mass (P = 0.01), and lower feed conversion ratio (P = 0.05) compared to those fed ZMCGly. The ZMCAA supplementation showed higher albumen height (P = 0.01), albumen weight (P = 0.01), and eggshell thickness (P < 0.01). The deposition of Zn (P < 0.01), Mn (P < 0.01), and Cu (P < 0.01) in the egg yolk was greater for hens received ZMCAA. Tibia weight (P = 0.04) and bone densitometry (P < 0.01) in the tibia were higher with ZMCAA supplementation. In the small intestine, ZMCAA resulted in longer villi (P = 0.02) and shorter crypt depth (P = 0.01) in the duodenum. Jejunum and ileum measurements were influenced by the level and source of trace minerals (P < 0.05). Laying hens fed ZMCAA exhibited superior performance, egg quality, deposition of trace minerals in the egg yolk, and bone density compared to hens fed ZMCGly. In this study, older laying hens supplemented with ZMCAA at lower levels demonstrated adequate levels of supplementation.

SAT052 Prolonged Nursing Augments Short Chain Fatty Acid Levels And Leads To Amelioration Of Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract Disclosure: S. rafiqi: None. Z. Zahid: None. R. Lamendella: None. O. aghogho: None. E. Gionfriddo: None. Y. Tao: None. J.C. Jaume: None. S. Imam: None. The infant gut microbiome essentially shifts to a diverse and complex microbial system during weaning on separation from the mother and any perturbations lead to pathological imprinting with lifelong implications. Apart from breast milk, the microbiota of the skin and the intimate niche between mother and offspring contribute to gut microbial composition. Gut microbiome dysbiosis has been ascribed in the initiation and/or perpetuation of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in human and animal models. The gut microbial diversification is manifested as change in microbial metabolites particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that have direct and indirect roles in immune regulation and epithelial barrier integrity. In this study, we try to decipher the role of prolonged nursing of newborn mice (upto 45 days) in the amelioration of type 1 diabetes in the context of changes in the gut microbiome and microbial metabolites. The humanized T1D mice used in the study spontaneously develop T1D at 3-4 weeks of age and are normally weaned at 21 days. Our results revealed mice subjected to prolonged nursing had consistent increments in levels of butyric acid from 60 to 150 days of age as compared to normal weaned mice, owing to a stable population of SCFA-producing bacteria developed during prolonged nursing with the mother. The normal weaned mice had a transient increase of butyric acid at 60 days but it didn’t sustain till the 150th day. The steady levels of butyrate in prolonged nursed mice exerted immunoregulatory roles which manifested in the enrichment of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the intestinal mesenteric epithelium, payer’s patches, peri pancreatic lymph nodes (PLN), pancreas (PN) and spleen. The enrichment of Tregs leads to the regulation of diabetogenic Th1, Th17, and interferon gamma-producing CD8 T cells (cytotoxic lymphocytes, CTLs) at PLN, PN, and spleen. This increased immune tolerance was mirrored by improved glucose homeostasis and fasting blood glucose levels in the prolonged nursing group. Prolonged nursing preserved the pancreatic islet architecture and significantly maintained the increased number of islets per pancreas as observed in H&amp;E sections. Also, it could be inferred from the results that SCFA’s promoted intestinal integrity with increased submucosal thickening, longer villi, and shallower crypts in the intestine of prolonged nursed mice. In conclusion, prolonged nursing accounts for gradual and steady gut microbiota succession in infants that augments SCFA production leading to enrichment of T regulatory cells and less aggressive diabetes. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

An in-depth characterisation of European seabass intestinal segments for assessing the impact of an algae-based functional diet on intestinal health

Sustainable farming of fish species depends on emerging new feed ingredients, which can alter the features of the digestive tract and influence animals’ overall health. Recent research has shown that functional feeds hold great potential for enhancing fish robustness by evoking appropriate responses at the intestine level. However, there is a lack of extensive and accurate descriptions of the morphology of the gastrointestinal tract of most farmed fish. We have characterised the intestine of European seabass thoroughly, by targeting four segments − anterior, mid, posterior and rectum. Results indicated that the anterior segment is mostly associated with absorption-related features; this segment has the largest absorptive area, the longest villi, and the highest number of neutral goblet cells (GC). The posterior segment and rectum have distinct histomorphometric features, but both seem to be important for immunity, displaying the highest count of acid GC and the highest expression of immune-related genes. The strongest proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) signal was observed in the anterior intestine and rectum, with PCNA+ cells appearing at the base of the villi and the corresponding villi branches. We have also evaluated the impact of a novel feed supplemented with a macro- and microalgae blend and found that there were no differences in terms of growth. However, the alterations observed in the mid intestine of fish fed the blend, such as thickening of the submucosa and lamina propria, an increased number of leucocytes, and higher expression of immune- and oxidative stress-related genes, suggest that algae may have an immunomodulatory effect. In the current article, we have described the morphology and expression patterns of the intestine segments of European seabass in detail and have presented a comprehensive report of the indices and methods used for the semi-quantitative and quantitative histomorphometric assessments, thereby providing useful information for future studies that aim to maintain intestinal health through dietary interventions.

Use of a commercial feed supplement based on yeast products and microalgae with or without nucleotide addition in calves

The use of feed additives with antioxidant and immune response modulatory activity could be a useful strategy in suckling calves to reduce morbidity and mortality. This strategy is based on several feed additives tested for these purposes. The aim of the paper is the examination of a commercial feed additive for adult cows for use in calves, with and without nucleotide supplementation. Seventy-five Holstein Friesian male calves were divided in 3 groups, with each calf randomly assigned to a group according to birth order. All calves received 2 L of pooled colostrum within 2 h of birth. The commercial feed supplement group was orally administered with 5 g/head of Decosel (dried brewer's yeast lysate (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), brewer's yeast walls (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), diatoms, spirulina, barley flour, calcium carbonate; Agroteam srl, Torrimpietra, Italy) and the nucleotides + commercial feed supplement group was orally administered with 5 g/head of an additive containing 2.5 g of Decosel and 2.5 g of nucleotides once daily from birth to 25 d. The control group was orally administered 20 mL of fresh water/head once daily. Calves that received the supplement and the nucleotides showed lower rates of protein and metabolizable energy conversion, with longer villi and greater crypt depth in duodenum. Moreover, the commercial feed supplement alone increased antioxidant capacity [2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power] in plasma some activity of antioxidant liver enzymes, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell viability after in vitro concanavalin A and H2O2 stimuli. Dietary supplementation with a commercial feed supplement containing yeast products (yeast cell walls and hydrolyzed yeast) and microalgae enhanced the redox balance and gut morphology in calves, allowing calves to improve their immune response, increasing resistance to stress. Moreover, these beneficial effects were strongly potentiated when dietary nucleotides were added to the supplement.

Chestnut tannins in broiler diets: Affecting intestinal development in different feeding phases.

It is known that high doses of various tannins could impair broiler growth, and this seems to be linked to a lowered protein availability. However, effects on protein digestion under the influence of hydrolysable tannins were minimal in previous research and literature. Other possible proposed reasons to explain reduced growth are scarce. In this experiment we studied the effect of hydrolysable tannins on body allometry by using different feeding schemes throughout the rearing period. In total 112 individually reared male Ross 308 broilers received a 3-phase basal diet with chestnut wood extract (+: 2,000 mg/kg) or not (–: 0 mg/kg) (Tanno-SAN®, Sanluc International NV, Belgium). This resulted in 2 groups during the starter period (S+, S–), 4 groups in the grower period (G++, G+−, G–+, G–) and 8 groups in the finisher period (F+++, F++−, F+−+, F+−−, F−++, F−+−, F−−+, F——). Similar to previous studies, growth reduction was also observed in this study. Effects were the largest in broilers that were given the tannins during the grower phase. At the end of each phase 8 broilers per group were euthanized and sampled. Liver, pancreas, pectoralis muscle, intestinal weights and intestinal length were recorded. The largest effects were seen on the intestine. Broilers that received tannins during the grower phase, had longer intestines at the end of the finisher period. Furthermore, histological differences between treatment groups were observed at the end of the grower period. Addition of tannins in the grower phase (G–+, G++) resulted in longer villi, whereas addition of tannins in the starter (G+−, G++) caused deeper crypts at the end of the grower phase, with the group (G–+) having the highest villi-to-crypt ratio. These results tentatively prove that tannins influence intestinal growth, both macroscopically as well as histologically. We hypothesize that the observed growth reduction with tannins could be the result of a changed energy and nutrient partitioning, i.e., more nutrients are directed to intestinal growth than for muscle growth.

Water extract of yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) leaf improves production parameters, tissue antioxidant status and intestinal microbiota activity in turkeys

This study aimed to analyze the effect of water extract of yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) leaf (WEYL) on tissue oxidative properties, histological indices, gut microbiota composition and activity, and production parameters in turkeys. A total of 360 (1-day-old) female poults were randomly assigned to one of three treatments (8 replications × 15 poults each). The turkeys were fed in a four-phase system for 15 weeks: group C (control)—diet that did not contain WEYL; group E1—diet supplemented with 0.05, 0.1, 0.1, and 0.2 g/kg WEYL; and group E2—diet supplemented with 0.1, 0.2, 0.2, and 0.3 g/kg WEYL. The results of the analyses of body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion indicated that WEYL did not have any effect on these parameters (P > 0.05). However, WEYL increased the proportion of skin with subcutaneous fat (P = 0.006), and when supplemented at higher ratios, it reduced the proportion of liver (P = 0.010) and improved slaughter performance (P = 0.044). Furthermore, consumption of WEYL-supplemented diet led to an improvement in the antioxidative status and glutathione peroxidase activity in the blood and breast muscles, and also increased the superoxide dismutase activity in the blood and liver (P < 0.05). Supplementation with WEYL at a lower dose (E1) resulted in reduced malondialdehyde concentration in the blood, while supplementation at a higher dose (E2) caused a reduction in ascorbic acid concentration in the liver (P < 0.05). Turkeys that were fed with WEYL-containing diet had a higher amount of cholinesterase in the blood (P = 0.045), and those fed with the diet containing a higher dose of WEYL (E2) had a higher level of albumins and total protein (P < 0.05). Turkeys from E2 group had the longest villi and shallowest crypts, but the percentage of proliferating nuclei was found to be the highest in the group that received a diet with a lower dose of WEYL (E1) (P < 0.05). Turkeys from E2 group showed a decreased relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. in the cecal content as well as reduced β-glucosidase activity, while those from the E1 group showed reduced β-galactosidase activity (P < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation with WEYL can help improve tissue antioxidative status and modify the enzymatic activity of the cecal microflora in turkeys, with no negative influence on the production outcomes of these birds.

Proteolytic enzyme-treated seaweed co-product (Ulva laetevirens) inclusion in corn-soybean and European broiler diets to improve digestibility, health, and performance

The impact of addition of an Ulva laetevirens (previously Ulva rigida) co-product treated with a broad-spectrum endo-protease when added to a standard corn-soy (S) based diet and a diet based on European protein sources (EU) on performance, in vivo digestibility and multiple gastrointestinal characteristics was investigated in broilers. In total, 624 Ross 308 one-day-old male broilers were fed one of 6 experimental diets (8 replicates) consisting of a basal diet (S or EU), or a basal diet including the U. laetevirens co-product (U) treated without (U-) or with (U+) a proteolytic enzyme. Starter diets contained 0 (wk 1) and 2.5 (wk 2), and the grower diets (wk 3 and 4) 5% seaweed co-product. In the last 2 wk, birds fed the S vs. EU grower diets showed a higher BW, BWG, and FI, as well as a lower FCR (−0.05 g/g) in wk 3 (P < 0.05). Heavier gizzards (+13%; P < 0.001) and heavier gizzard contents (+92%; P < 0.001) were observed in birds fed the EU vs. S diets, as well as longer villi (+8%; P = 0.010). U diets had a higher water holding capacity than the basal diets (+19%). In wk 4, U inclusion resulted in increased FCR (+0.06 g/g; P < 0.001), water intake (+7%; P < 0.001), and duodenal cross section (+5%; P = 0.033). Enzyme treatment did not affect digestibility of any nutrients, except for ash which was increased in birds fed U+ vs. U- diets (+60%; P < 0.001). U in S diets led to higher, and U in EU diets led to lower apparent pre-cecal digestibility of all nutrients (P < 0.001 for all nutrients). Although for both diet types performance was decreased, dietary U. laetevirens inclusion had different effects when added to a standard corn-soy diet and a diet based on European protein sources. No obvious health effects were observed, leading to the conclusion of the absence of performance of health promoting bioactive components in the U. laetevirens co-product, or of diminishing of these effects due to the proteolytic enzyme treatment.

Evaluation of glutamine supplementation in the diet on the structure and function of the intestine and the growth performance of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) juvenile

A triplicate experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the diet supplemented with free glutamine (Gln) on intestinal structure and function, as well as the growth performance of African catfish Clarias gariepinus juvenile. The commercial feed was supplemented with Gln of either 0% (control), 0.7%, 1.4% or 2.1%. Fish measuring 2 ± 0.02 cm were stocked in 12 aquariums 50x40x35 cm filled with water at a volume of 50 L with a density of 2,000 fish m-2. Fish were cultured for 30 days and fed on the diets three times a day at satiation. Results showed that the growth rate and biomass of the fish at the end of the experiment had a quadratic response, with the maximum growth achieved at 0.7% Gln treatment. The response pattern of fish growth was in line with the distribution of fish length. Fish in 0.7% Gln treatment had number fish measuring 5-6 cm more than 12% less than other treatments, while fish measuring 7-8 cm were more than other treatments. Higher growth in the 0.7% Gln treatment correlated with longer villi, higher protein retention, and ultimately higher feed efficiency. Increased intake of Gln in the diet also caused an increase in intestinal protease enzyme activity, and accumulation of Gln in the liver, but did not increase the enzymes activity of the liver Superoxidase Dismutase (SOD). It can be concluded that feeding on a diet supplemented with 0.7% Gln can improve the structure and function of the intestine, as well as increase the target size of catfish juvenile production.

Histology of the small intestine in the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus): A scanning electron microscopy, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and stereological study.

The present investigation was conducted to investigate the histology, immunohistochemistry, stereology, and ultrastructure of the small intestine in the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ten birds were included in the study. The obtained findings revealed that three parts in the small intestine namely duodenum, jejunum, and ilium constituted of four layers from innermost to outermost including tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica serosa. All parts of the small intestine had simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells reacted with Periodic Acid-Schiff and Alcian Blue stains especially in the jejunum and ileum. The cells on the tip of the duodenal villi showed immuno-positive staining for Sox9 protein, while the jejunum and ileum were negative. The jejunum had longest villi; however the duodenum had deepest crypt (p< .05). The villus surface of jejunum was significantly higher than duodenum and ileum (p< .05). SEM images revealed that the duodenum had cauliflower and leaf-like villi with plicas and recess between them. Jejunum had finger-like villi with a velvety view. The shape of the ileal villi was like that observed in the jejunum with slight differences. In conclusion, the jejunum was the most prominent region in the small intestine in terms of morphologic and morphometric features, which could be attributed to the absorption of more nutrients in this area. These obtained findings would be useful to improve the knowledge in the field of histophysiology properties of the bird's digestive system.

324 Milk Fat Globule Membrane from Bovine Milk on Brain Development of Early Life

Abstract The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is instrumental for the fat delivery system into human and bovine milk, but is typically removed during the manufacture of infant formula. MFGM contains components that may impact neurodevelopment, including sialic acid, gangliosides, sphingomyelin, choline, glycerophospholipids, proteins, and cholesterol. This presentation will review the clinical trial evidence linking MFGM supplementation to beneficial outcomes in infants and will describe potential mechanistic evidence linking MFGM with neurocognitive outcomes arising from preclinical studies in piglets. Infants fed formula supplemented with a MFGM (4% total protein) from 2 to 6 months of age had improved neurocognitive development at 1 year of age compared to infants fed standard formula. Infants fed formula with MFGM (5.0 g/L) and lactoferrin (0.6 g/L) for 1 year had an accelerated neurodevelopmental profile at 1 year and improved language subcategories at 18 months compared to infants fed a standard formula. To investigate potential mechanisms, piglets were fed a CONT formula or a TEST formula with MFGM and lactoferrin at the same concentrations from 2 to 31 days of age. Piglets underwent spatial T-maze testing to assess learning and memory, and magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain micro- and macrostructure. TEST piglets had lower radial and mean diffusivities in the internal capsule, suggesting greater myelination. The internal capsule contains motor and sensory projections from the cortex to corticospinal tract. Piglets on the CONT diet displayed shorter latency to choice in the T-maze compared to TEST piglets, potentially indicating anxiety-like behaviors or greater impulsivity. Aspects of the microbiome-gut-brain-axis (MGBA) were investigated to uncover potential mechanisms. TEST piglets had higher protein abundance of tyrosine hydroxylase and vasoactive intestinal peptide, longer villi and greater disaccharidase activity in the small intestine and differences in microbial abundances in the ascending colon and feces, suggesting potential modulation of the MGBA by MFGM.

Physiological, antimicrobial, intestine morphological, and immunological effects of fructooligosaccharides in pigs.

In pig nutrition, there are some periods when natural alternatives to antibiotics are more required, such as during suckling and weaning. Fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) are a group of prebiotics applied as feed ingredients in animal nutrition since their positive effects on growth performance, immunological parameters, intestinal microbiota, and gut morphology are reported. Accordingly, FOS may be candidate molecules to improve the mentioned properties in pigs. Previous studies defined FOS as inhibiting the activity of pathogens and increasing the colonization of beneficial bacteria in the gut, although metabolites of FOS decreased the intestinal pH value. Beneficial effects on digestive-enzyme activities and on protein digestion were determined in some studies. All of the three types of FOS (inulin, oligomeric fructans, and short-chain FOSs) promoted the microbial composition of the gut by increasing the colonizations of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Prevotella genus. FOS also affected the immune response directly and indirectly and increased vaccine-specific IgA, serum IgG, and IgE levels. Moreover, FOS enhanced the activation of T cells and altered the secretions of some cytokines. Levels of vaccine-specific IgG could not be increased after FOS supplements. In most cases, FOS modified intestinal morphological parameters, such as longer villi, villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio, and thicker mucosa, which could suggest better absorptive functions. Results are contradictory on growth performance, which might be influenced by the chemical structure, the duration, and the dose of FOS, so further studies are required. This review aims to gather information regarding immunological, antimicrobial, intestine morphological, and growth performance properties of fructooligosaccharides in pigs.

DELIVERY ROUTE OF CHAMOMILE ON THE GROWTH AND SUBSEQUENT PHYSIOLOGY OF BROILER CHICKENS UNDER E. COLI CHALLENGE

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels (5g/kg ,10 g/kg or litter) of chamomile flower in feed and water on performance and gut health of broiler chickens under E. coli challenge. A total of 480-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to 12 treatments each replicated 4 times with 10 birds. Oral inoculation with E. coli was on days 8 and 9 of birds age. At day 10 and 35, the interaction (p&lt;0.05) between the experimental factors decreased the feed intake in the challenged birds supplemented with chamomile. At day 10, unchallenged birds were heavier (p&lt;0.05) than the challenged groups. Up to 35 days, birds on antibiotics (zinc bacitracin 360g/kg) and chamomile containing diets were heavier than other groups. The FCR improved in chamomile supplemented birds in both challenge conditions. Challenged birds had poorer FCR than unchallenged birds. The FCR improved in antibiotics and chamomile supplemented birds than those on control diets. The intestinal pH, serum lipid content decreased and serum protein profile improved by chamomile supplementation. The interaction of the experimental factors increased (p&lt;0.0001) protein digestibility in the unchallenged birds supplemented with chamomile in their diets. Protein digestibility improved (p&lt;0.001) in chamomile supplemented birds. The interaction of the experimental factors increased fat digestibility (p&lt;0.0001) in the challenged birds on the lower level of dietary chamomile. Fat digestibility was higher (p&lt;0.0001) but protein digestibility and villi were lower in the challenged birds than unchallenged groups. Longer villi were observed in the unchallenged birds on the lower level of chamomile in their drinking water and those on the highest level of dietary chamomile

Interactive effects of threonine levels and protein source on growth performance and carcass traits, gut morphology, ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids, and immunity in broilers

An experiment was executed to test the hypothesis that supplementation of dietary threonine (d-Thr), above NRC recommendation to diets containing poorly digestible protein source (PS) may compensate its detrimental effects on overall performance of broilers. In total, nine hundred 1-day-old mixed sex broilers (Ross-308) were randomly distributed over 6 (2 × 3) experimental diets comprising 5 replicates of 30 broilers each for 35 d. The experimental diets contain either soybean meal (SBM) or canola meal (CM) with 3 levels (100, 110, and 120% of NRC recommendation) of d-Thr. During the course of the trial (0 to 35 D), interactions (P < 0.05) between PS and d-Thr were observed for feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass, and gut health parameters. The broilers fed recommended level (100%) of d-Thr had 7 and 5% poorer FCR compared with those fed diets with 110 and 120% d-Thr, respectively. For villus height (VH), an interaction (P = 0.007) was found between PS and d-Thr level. Broilers consuming SBM diets had 22% longer villi, 10% deeper crypts, and 30% greater VH to crypt depth ratio (VCR) compared to those fed CM. The broilers fed 110% d-Thr diets had 9% lower crypt depth (CD) and 15% greater VCR compared with those fed diets containing NRC recommended levels. CM resulted in 9% lower protein digestibility with lower (P < 0.05) of some AA, whereas it was improved by 7% in broilers fed 120% d-Thr supplemented diets. The bursa and spleen weights were positively affected (P < 0.001) by PS. Threonine supplementation (10%) resulted in 25% greater thymus, 18% heavier bursa, and 30% greater infectious bursal disease titer. In conclusion, supplementation of d-Thr, above NRC recommendation, resulted in a better growth performance and carcass traits, improved ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids, better gut health, and immunity in broilers.

Role of FGF10/FGFR2b Signaling in Mouse Digestive Tract Development, Repair and Regeneration Following Injury.

During embryonic development, the rudimentary digestive tract is initially a tube-like structure. It is composed of epithelial cells surrounded by mesenchymal cells. Reciprocal epithelial–mesenchymal interactions progressively subdivide this primitive tube into distinct functional regions: the tongue, the pharynx, the esophagus, the stomach, the duodenum, the small intestine, the cecum, the large intestine, the colon, and the anus as well as the pancreas and the liver. Fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) constitute a family of conserved small proteins playing crucial roles during organogenesis, homeostasis, and repair after injury. Among them, fibroblast growth factor 10 (Fgf10) has been reported to orchestrate epithelial–mesenchymal interactions during digestive tract development. In mice, loss of function of Fgf10 as well as its receptor fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (Fgfr2b) lead to defective taste papillae in the tongue, underdeveloped and defective differentiation of the stomach, duodenal, cecal, and colonic atresias, anorectal malformation, as well as underdeveloped pancreas and liver. Fgf signaling through Fgfr2b receptor is also critical for the repair process after gut injury. In the adult mice, a malabsorption disorder called small bowel syndrome is triggered after massive small bowel resection (SBR). In wild-type mice, SBR leads to a regenerative process called gut adaptation characterized by an increase in the diameter of the remaining small intestine as well as by the presence of deeper crypts and longer villi, altogether leading to increased intestinal surface. Intestinal stem cells are key for this regeneration process. Induction of Fgf10 expression in the Paneth cells located in the crypt following SBR suggests a critical role for this growth factor in the process of gut adaptation.

Effects of three major protein sources on performance, gut morphology and fermentation characteristics in broilers

ABSTRACT1. This study determined the effects of three protein sources (PS), each at two digestibility crude protein (DCP) levels, on performance, gut morphology and fermentation characteristics in the hindgut of broilers.2. It was hypothesised that broilers fed ingredients high in indigestible CP, i.e. rapeseed meal (RSM) or maize gluten (MG), could potentially cause reduced growth, impaired gut health, and more protein fermentation products in caecal digesta. Increasing the DCP level in each of the indigestible CP diets may compensate for these detrimental effects.3. In total, 288 one-d-old male Ross 308 broilers were used in a completely randomised 3 × 2 factorial design, with six replicate pens per treatment. Three PS: soybean meal (SBM), rapeseed meal (RSM) or maize gluten (MG), and two DCP levels: 15.8 and 17.2% were used.4. Broilers fed SBM had increased feed intake and BWG and improved FCR compared with those fed RSM and MG diets. Broilers fed high DCP had better performance compared with those on low DCP. No significant effects of PS or DCP level were found on gastrointestinal tract development, caecal ammonia or volatile fatty acid concentrations.5. Broilers fed SBM had longer villi, smaller crypts and increased villus height to crypt depth ratio compared with those fed RSM and MG diets. Broilers fed RSM diet had a lower caecal pH, and had 16.5% and 14.9% more branched chain fatty acid contents in caecal digesta compared with those fed SBM and MG diets, respectively, indicating more proteolytic fermentation.6. Replacing SBM by RSM and MG negatively affected growth performance and gut morphology. Hindgut protein fermentation was substantially increased in RSM fed birds.7. To a certain extent, retarded growth performance in RSM and MG fed birds could be counterbalanced by increasing the dietary level of digestible CP.

Differential Effects of Dietary Methionine Isomers on Broilers Challenged with Acute Heat Stress.

In this study, we investigated the effect of methionine isomers (D- and L-methionine) on growth performance, blood metabolite levels, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and foot pad dermatitis in broilers challenged with acute heat stress. In total, 240 broilers were randomly allocated in a 2×2 factorial arrangement consisting of two dietary treatments (D- vs. L-methionine) and two thermal environmental conditions (thermo-neutral vs. acute heat stress). Methionine isomers were added to the diet as an ingredient according to the diet formulation. The broilers were exposed to acute heat stress at 33°C for 5 h on day 14. The average daily gain and feed conversion ratio of birds fed L-methionine were higher than those fed D-methionine (P<0.05) from the time of hatching till 21 days. Induced acute heat stress impaired (P<0.05) the daily gain and feed intake of the broilers on day 21. Furthermore, the blood urea nitrogen levels of birds subjected to acute heat stress on days 14 and 21 were higher (P<0.05) than those of their counterparts. Longer villi (P<0.05) were observed in broilers fed L-methionine-supplemented diet than in those fed D-methionine-supplemented diet on day 14, irrespective of thermal environmental conditions. Heat stress reduced (P<0.01) nutrient digestibility of the broilers on days 14 and 21. Higher incidence and severity of foot pad dermatitis were observed (P<0.05) in broilers fed diet containing D-methionine than in those fed L-methionine-supplemented diet. In conclusion, L-methionine-supplemented diet improved growth performance, overcame growth depression, and reduced the incidence of foot pad dermatitis when broilers were exposed to acute heat stress in the starter period.

Inducible intestinal epithelial cell‐specific NHE3 knockout causes diarrhea and more alkaline luminal content

The Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) has an important role in intestinal and renal Na+ uptake, acid‐base regulation, and composition of the gut microbiota. Reduced intestinal NHE3 activity and/or expression were found in congenital Na+ diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease. Previously, no viable intestinal epithelial cell‐specific NHE3 knockout model has been generated; whole body NHE3 knockout mice show 70% mortality and non‐inducible intestinal epithelial cell‐specific NHE3 knockout mice show 100% postnatal mortality. Therefore, we generated a tamoxifen‐inducible intestinal epithelial‐specific NHE3 knockout mouse (NHE3IEC‐Ko; see abstract #1519). Two weeks after tamoxifen administration, NHE3IEC‐Ko mice show ~2‐fold increase in intestinal permeability, 4 hours after oral gavage of FITC‐Dextran, compared to control mice (P&lt;0.05). The small intestine, cecum, and colon were markedly dilated in NHE3IEC‐Ko versus control mice, which was associated with a more than 2‐fold increase in total intestinal wet weight (4.9±0.5 vs 2.2±0.1 g, P&lt;0.05, n=4 and 8, respectively) and ~1.5‐fold increase in fecal water content (55±2 vs 81±4 %, P&lt;0.05). Small intestinal and colonic flush pH were 0.5 pH and 0.8 pH units more alkaline, respectively, in NHE3IEC‐Ko compared to control mice (both P&lt;0.05). Small intestinal length was not different between genotypes (36±3 vs 39±1 cm, NS), but colon length was increased in NHE3IEC‐Ko compared to control mice (8.8±0.3 vs 7.1±0.2 cm, P&lt;0.05). Although there was not an increase in intestinal length, the proximal small intestine of NHE3IEC‐Ko mice had longer villi (493±4 vs 392±19 μm, P&lt;0.05) but similar crypt depths compared to control mice (89±4 vs 79±3 μm, NS). No differences in villus length (159±11 vs 139±7 μm, NS) or crypt depth (58±2 vs 58±2 μm, NS) were observed in the distal small intestine between genotypes. In conclusion, this novel intestinal epithelial cell‐specific NHE3 knockout model is a useful tool for studying inflammatory bowel disease, and the role of intestinal pH on the microbiome as well as intestinal proliferation and apoptosis.Support or Funding InformationNIH 1R01DK110621, APS STRIDE Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship 1R25HL115473‐01.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Response of broiler chicks to non-steam- or steam-pelleted diets containing raw, full-fat soybean meal

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of steam pelleting of diets containing graded levels of raw, full-fat soybean meal (RSBM) on the chemical properties and feeding values of the diets. Samples of diets with steam- or non-steam-pelleted as well as the mash containing varying levels of RSBM were subjected to detailed chemical analysis. As a result of this study, trypsin inhibitor (TI) concentrations in the diets ranged between 4,153 and 10,484 TIU/g. Amino acid concentrations were higher in the non-steam-pelleted and mash diets than the steam-pelleted diets. A 4 × 2 factorial arrangement (RSBM: zero, 10, 20 or 30%, equivalent to zero, 30, 60, and 90 g/kg of diet, respectively, and non-steam- or steam-pelleted diets) was used while feeding broiler chicks (zero to 14 d of age). Each treatment was replicated 6 times with 8 birds per replicate. As a result of this study, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in mortality of birds among the groups. Feed intake (FI) (P < 0.05) and body weight gain (BWG) (P < 0.001) decreased with increasing levels of RSBM. Birds fed on steam-pelleted diets gained less (P < 0.001) weight than birds on the non-steam-pelleted diets, but the FI was not significantly (P > 0.05) different. The FCR was negatively affected (P < 0.05) by increasing levels of RSBM. There was no interaction effect between RSBM and pelleting method on the FI, BWG, or FCR of birds. The weight of the pancreas (P < 0.001) and duodenum (P < 0.01) increased with a rise in the level of RSBM in diets. Non-steam pelleting increased (P < 0.05) the pancreatic protein content, whereas the activity of chymotrypsin was reduced (P < 0.01) when the RSBM level was increased. Birds fed with RSBM-free diets had thicker muscle, longer villi, wider villus surface area, and higher villus to crypt depth ratios than birds on the other diets, but these differences were not significant. It can be concluded that steam pelleting of diets containing RSBM is inadequate to reduce the adverse impact of TI on chicks.

Antioxidant activity of JM113 in vitro and its protective effect on broiler chickens challenged with deoxynivalenol.

The aim of this experiment was to study the antioxidant capacity of JM113 isolated from healthy intestinal contents of Tibetan chicken and its protective effect on broiler chickens challenged with deoxynivalenol (DON). Compared with PZ01 and M23, JM113 demonstrated maximum reducing ( < 0.05) activity and resistance in the presence of 1.2 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide, and great scavenging ability ( < 0.05) against hydroxyl, superoxide anion, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals in vitro. For each strain, the antioxidant activities of live bacterial strains were greater ( < 0.05) than of cell free extracts and dead bacterial strains. To examine the antioxidant capacity of JM113 in vivo, 192 1-d-old Arbor Acres chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatments groups consisting of 6 replicates with 8 birds per replicate. The dietary treatments were 1) control; 2) control diet supplemented with JM113 at 1 × 10 cfu/kg; 3) control diet contaminated with DON at 10 mg/kg; 4) control diet contaminated with DON at 10 mg/kg and supplemented with JM113 at 1 × 10 cfu/kg. Dietary supplementation with DON decreased ( < 0.05) superoxide dismutase activity in serum and increased ( < 0.05) malondialdehyde in the jejunal mucosa of broilers, compared to the control. However, supplementation with JM113 to both the DON-contaminated diet and the control diet, caused a significant reduction ( < 0.05) in malondialdehyde activity in the jejunal mucosa. A reduction ( < 0.05) in expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 was observed in the jejunal mucosa of broilers fed dietary supplementation with DON, whereas the mRNA levels of and its corresponding downstream gene increased ( < 0.05) with JM113 treatment. Addition of JM113 resulted in longer villi ( < 0.05), even in combination with DON compared to the DON group. JM113 treatment, especially in the DON plus JM113 group, up-regulated ( < 0.05) the expression of mRNA. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the JM113 strain has great antioxidant activity and supplementation in feed protected the integrity of the intestinal barrier in broilers challenged with DON, suggesting its use for alleviation of negative effects of DON in poultry.