Phytogenic Additives Research Articles

Effects of cinnamon, rosemary and oregano on growth performance, blood biochemistry, liver enzyme activities, excreta microbiota and ileal morphology of Campylobacter jejuni-challenged broiler chickens.

Phytogenic additives would be helpful to mitigate the detrimental impact of Campylobacter jejuni on broiler chickens. The experiment aimed to assess the effects of cinnamon, rosemary and oregano powder on physiological responses of broiler chickens challenged with C. jejuni from 0 to 42 days of age. A total of 192 one-day-old male broiler chickens were divided into 6 treatment groups. The treatments included: negative control (NC; basal diet without additives and no C. jejuni challenge), positive control (PC; basal diet with C. jejuni challenge), PC with cinnamon, rosemary or oregano powder (3g/kg each), and PC with Erythromycin (55mg/kg). Except for the NC group, all chicks were orally challenged with 2×108CFU/mL C. jejuni daily from days 21-25. Feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), energy efficiency ratio (EER) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were assessed during the rearing period (0-42 days). On day 42 of age, fresh excreta samples were collected from each pen to determine apparent dry matter digestibility and excreta microbiota. In addition, at the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to evaluate blood profile and liver enzyme activities. C. jejuni challenge (PC treatment) decreased BWG, EER and PER, while increasing FCR of broiler chickens (p<0.05), whereas rosemary, oregano and Erythromycin improved these performance parameters akin to NC. PC diet showed negative effect in ileal morphology, alleviated by additives except cinnamon (p<0.05). Dietary additives successfully reduced Campylobacter levels and increased Lactobacilli counts in the PC. Rosemary and oregano lowered plasma total cholesterol (p<0.05). Alanine aminotransferase elevation by C. jejuni challenge in the PC group was prevented by rosemary, oregano and Erythromycin (p<0.05). Oregano and rosemary alleviate the impact of C. jejuni challenge.

Development of selected performance, dressing and meat quality traits of Pekin ducks in relation to genotype and phytogenic feed additives

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the genetic origin of ducks and the use of phytogenic additives in their feeding on performance indices, slaughter value and dressing percentage, as well as meat quality. The experimental material consisted of three genetic groups of Pekin ducks: Polish Pekin P-33 (P), Dworka D-11 (D) and Star 53 H.Y. (S). A 7-week experimental rearing of 216 commercial hybrids (3 × 72 animals) was carried out. Within each genetic line, three feeding groups were established, differing in the use of plant-based additives in the feed mixture (5% herb mixture or 5% black cumin seed). To assess slaughter value and meat quality of the ducks, 18 birds from each group were selected, including 9 males and 9 females. It was shown that the basic performance and slaughter value traits of Pekin ducks depend (p≤0.05) on their genetic origin. The most favourable (p≤0.05) rearing efficiency and slaughter value (body, carcass and meat weight) were found for commercial Star 53 HY ducks. Their breast muscles were characterized by higher (p≤0.05) cooking loss and lower (p≤0.05) collagen content. The genetic origin of the ducks was shown to influence (p≤0.05) economic efficiency of rearing, dressing percentage and chemical indicators of meat (except for water content in breast muscles) and some physical characteristics (pH24, cooking loss, colour lightness of leg muscles and electrical conductivity in breast muscles). Supplementation of the standard diet of ducks with phytogenic additives (mixture of herbs, black cumin seeds) at a level of 5% had (p≤0.05) a negative effect on body, carcass and meat weight, and a positive effect on the physical characteristics of meat related to water loss (pH24 and cooking loss).

Egg Production, Blood Profile, and Histopathology in Japanese Quail with Phytogenic Additives

Egg Production, Blood Profile, and Histopathology in Japanese Quail with Phytogenic Additives

Effect of dietary medicinal plants on physiological responses of broiler chickens challenged with Campylobacter jejuni.

Phytogenic additives would be helpful to alleviate the adverse effect of Campylobacter jejuni on the performance and physiological responses of broiler chickens. This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of Echinacea purpurea (EP) and Thymbra spicata (TS) on the performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemistry, intestinal morphology, intestinal microbiota and immune responses of broilers challenged with C. jejuni from 0 to 42 days of age. A total of 240 male broiler chickens were divided into 6 groups and fed various diets: a control diet; the control diet supplemented with EP at 0.25% (EP25) or 0.50% (EP50); the control diet supplemented with TS at 0.25% (TS25) and 0.50% (TS50); or the control diet containing erythromycin at 55ppm. Chicks were orally challenged with C. jejuni on Days 21 and 23 of age. EP and TS25 diets enhanced European production efficiency factor, feed conversion ratio and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter. TS25 increased duodenal villous height (VH) and surface area on Day 42 of age. EP25 diet increased ileal VH compared to control and erythromycin diets. Diets containing certain EP25 and TS increased the Bifidobacterium population and decreased C. jejuni population on Day 39 of age. EP50 and TS50 diets increased antibody titration against Newcastle disease virus. In conclusion, EP and TS dietary supplementation improved performance, microflora, intestinal morphology and immune responses in C. jejuni-challenged broilers.

Evaluation of Increasing Levels of Acacia mearnsii Tannins on Growth Performance and Intestinal Morphometrics of Broiler Chickens Undergoing a Salmonella Heidelberg Challenge

Phytogenic additives such as tannins are characterized as polyphenolic compounds known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunostimulatory properties that have been used to enhance the performance, intestinal health, and meat quality of broiler chickens. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of increasing dietary supplementation of tannins from Acacia mearnsii on the intestinal morphometrics, litter moisture, and growth performance of broiler chickens. A total of 1400 Cobb 500 one-day-old male chicks were randomly distributed into five dietary treatments with eight replicates (35 birds/pen) until 42 days of age. The treatments consisted of Salmonella Heidelberg-challenged groups supplemented with 0, 300, 500, 700, or 900 mg/kg tannin from Acacia mearnsii. A four-phase feeding program was used with pre-starter, starter, grower, and finisher feeds. At 3 days of age, birds were orally gavaged with an S. Heidelberg culture. Feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated until day 42. The morphometry of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum was measured at 7 and 42 days of age. From 1 to 28, 1 to 35, and 1 to 42 days of age, tannin supplementation for broilers under S. Heidelberg challenge led to quadratic increases (p &lt; 0.05) in BWG, with optimal responses at 265, 412, and 456 mg/kg, respectively. No effects of tannin were observed on FCR in all periods. Villus height was similar in all segments on day 7 (p &gt; 0.05); however, on day 42, tannin supplementation that improved villus height of the ileum was 600 mg/kg (p = 0.0100). In conclusion, tannins from Acacia mearnsii were able to improve body weight gain and intestinal morphometry of broiler chickens under an imposed challenge of S. Heidelberg.

Oxidative stress markers in brain and gonads of rabbit bucks fed herbal supplements

BackgroundCurrently, there is an increase in the usage of phytogenic feed additives to help improve animal welfare and productivity, while less emphasis is now placed on metabolic and oxidative stability of neuronal and testicular tissues. This study aims at investigating the effects of Moringa oleifera, Phyllanthus amarus and Viscum album as feed additives on some metabolic indicators and oxidative status of rabbit testis and brain. Isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated with 5% supplementation of each of the phytogenic additive to 3 treatment groups and basal diet group.ResultsIt was revealed that moringa, mistletoe, and phyllanthus can modulate oxidative status in both the brain and gonads of rabbit bucks through their unique phytochemical compositions, thereby affecting reproductive and cognitive functions. Moringa, rich in crude protein, saponins, glycosides, and steroids, enhances protein and lactate dehydrogenase levels but increases lipid peroxidation in the testis. Mistletoe, with high crude fiber, ash, and antioxidants like flavonoids and tannins, boosts total antioxidant activity in several brain regions and reduces lipid peroxidation, indicating its potential for reducing oxidative stress. Phyllanthus, having the least fiber and ash but effective antioxidant properties, notably affects the oxidative balance in both the testis and brain, with varied impacts on different tissues. The result obtained showed that total antioxidant activity of the left testis was enhanced (p < 0.05) by inclusion of the phytogenic additives, while total antioxidant activity of the right testis in bucks fed on phytogenic additives were similar (p > 0.05) to bucks on basal diet. Bucks fed on moringa and phyllanthus additives had higher (p < 0.05) testicular lipid peroxidation, lowered testicular protein and/or lactate dehydrogenase. Result also shows that lipid peroxidation of hypothalamus, cerebrum, olfactory lobe and cerebellum were lowest in bucks fed on mistletoe, phyllanthus, phyllanthus and phyllanthus, respectively. High catalase activity of optic lobe, olfactory lobe and cerebellum were observed in bucks fed on mistletoe, moringa and mistletoe, respectively, while glutathione peroxidase activity in hypothalamus, cerebrum, olfactory lobe and pineal was enhanced (p < 0.05) in bucks fed on moringa and mistletoe compared to bucks on other treatment.ConclusionM. oleifera, P. amarus and V. album leaves as phytogenic feed additives in rabbit diets have negative effect on the metabolic activity of the testis, enhancing antioxidant activity in the brain.

The Effect of Phytogenic Additive in Broiler's Diet on Production Results, Physicochemical Parameters, and the Composition of Volatile Organic Compounds of Broiler Meat Assessed by an Electronic Nose System.

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a phytogenic additive (PA) in broiler chickens' diet on production, physiochemical parameters, and the profile of volatile organic compounds present in broiler chickens' meat. The experiment was conducted in a commercial chicken house, where Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into two groups, each consisting of 65,000 broilers. One group was fed a diet supplemented with 100 ppm of PA throughout the rearing period. The primary chemical composition of the meat and its physicochemical parameters were determined. A visual assessment of breast muscles for defects and volatile organic compounds were evaluated using an electronic nose system. No statistically significant differences were shown in the production performance of the chickens; while summarizing all production parameters, a higher EPEF index of 31 points in the experimental group was highlighted. Breast muscle quality showed differences in drip loss and WHC (p ≤ 0.01) in favor of the experimental group, and a lower cutting force value (p ≤ 0.05) was found for breast muscles from the experimental group. The group also had a lower proportion of muscles with a white striping defect, and the results of volatile organic compound profiling showed the most aroma units.

Comparative effects of dietary muramidase and phytogenics on the growth performance and gastrointestinal functionality of broiler chickens

The objective of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of dietary supplementation of muramidase (MUR) and 2 phytogenic additives on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, bacteria load, and production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) of broiler chickens raised under field-like conditions. A total of 6,400 day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly selected and distributed into 32 floor pens, with 200 chicks (100 males and 100 females)/pen. The treatment groups were an unsupplemented control, and the experimental groups supplemented with MUR at 35,000 LSU(F)/kg of feed, phytogenic 1 (Phyto 1, based on thymol) at 100g/ton feed, or phytogenic 2 (Phyto 2, based on alkaloids) at 60g/ton feed, for a total period of 41 d. A 4-phase feeding program was applied (starter, grower, finisher and withdrawal). The paramenters evaluated were: growth performance, carcass yield, concentration of muranic acid in the jejunum content and excreta, liver enzyme concentration, intestinal morphology, and bacteria enumeration and short and branch chain fatty acids (SCFA and BCFA) in the cecal content. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test was used to separate the means. Soluble muramic acid (MurN) in the jejunum increased with the supplementation of MUR and Phyto 2 when compared to the other groups (P = 0.0001), but only the supplementation of MUR increased the concentration of MurN in the excreta. The supplementation of all feed additives improved the body weight gain and the body weight corrected feed conversion ratio when compared to the control group (P = 0.0001). MUR increased villus heigh (VH) when compared to the control or the other supplemented groups (P = 0.0001), and led to the highest concentration of most SCFA, total BCFA, and total SCFA (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of MUR and phytogenics to the diets of broiler chickens improved the growth performance, but MUR, only, was capable of effectively degrading peptidoglycans (PGNs) in both intestinal segments, as well as to increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria and SCFA production.

Lupin Seed Supplementation as a Functional Feed Additive: In Vitro Ruminal Gas, Methane and Carbon Dioxide Production, Fermentation Kinetics, and Nutrient Degradability.

The inevitable enteric gas emission from ruminants is considered a modern-day problem from an environmental perspective. Addressing this problem requires nutritional approaches such as the use of phytogenic additives in ruminant diets. In this regard, lupin seed (LS) can be a useful additive due to its phytochemical constituents. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) seed supplementation as a functional and sustainable feed additive in sheep diet (50:50 concentrate-to-forage ratio) on in vitro gas production (GP; mL/g DM), methane (CH4; mL/g DM) and carbon dioxide (CO2; mL/g DM) emissions, fermentation parameters, and nutrient degradability (g/kg DM incubated). Gas production and CH4 were measured per gram of incubated dry matter (DM), degradable DM (dDM), degradable neutral detergent fiber (dNDF), and degradable acid detergent fiber (dADF). Lupin seeds were included at 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2% of the diet. The seeds contained 3.27% essential oils (DM basis), with eucalyptol as the main phytochemical. The highest GP per gram of DM and dDM was observed (p < 0.01) with 2.0% LS supplementation level. While 1.0% LS had the highest GP per gram of dNDF, 0.5% lupin diet had the highest GP per gram of dADF. Asymptotic GP and CH4 emissions linearly and quadratically increased (p < 0.01) with increasing LS level, while lag time decreased. Despite increased CH4 production, the proportion of CH4 in total biogas was lower (p = 0.008) for LS treatments than the control, with the 0.5% LS showing the lowest CH4 proportion. Production of CO2 increased with lupin seed treatments, with 0.5% LS producing the highest proportion (p = 0.027). Degradability of DM, NDF, and ADF was greater (p < 0.01) for the high LS supplementation level, while 0.5% supplementation level decreased ADF degradability. Total short-chain fatty acids, acetic acid, and propionic acid increased (p < 0.05) with LS supplementation level, leading to a reduced acetate:propionate ratio. Rumen pH decreased (p = 0.036) with LS supplementation, while ammonia-N decreased (p = 0.045) and estimated metabolizable energy increased (p < 0.001) linearly. Calculated microbial protein synthesis (p = 0.005) and gas yield (p = 0.047) increased with LS supplementation level. LS supplementation at 2.0% of diet (DM basis) increased GP and CH4 emission (mL/g DM) and enhanced nutrient degradability, suggesting its potential use as a functional feed additive for ruminants when supplemented at a 2.0% level into diet.

Effect of thyme, ginger, and their nano-particles on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and intestinal bacteriology of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of thyme, ginger, and their nano-particles, as alternatives to antibiotic growth promotors (AGP), on productive performance, carcass traits, meat quality and gut health of broiler chickens. A total of 270 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 6 groups, each consisting of 3 replicates (n = 15 chicks/replicate). The birds in group 1 were fed the control diet which contained neither antibiotic growth promotors nor phytogenic feed additives (PFA). Birds in group 2 were fed diets containing 0.05% of AGP (Bacitracin methylene disalicylate). Chicks in group 3 and 4 were fed diets supplemented with 1.0% of thyme and ginger, respectively, whereas birds in group 5 and 6 were offered diets including 0.10% of nano-thyme and nano-ginger, respectively. The experiment lasted for 35 days. It was found that thyme and ginger with their nano-products, like the antibiotic, improved the body weight, weight gain and feed conversion rate of birds. The effect of ginger and nano-ginger on body weight and weight gain was greater than other treatments. During the overall feeding period, the feed cost of production was the highest in antibiotic group, but was the lowest in ginger and nano-ginger treatments. There was no effect of dietary treatments on carcass yield or organs weight except bursa of Fabricius and abdominal fat. Thyme, ginger and their nano-composites increased the weight of bursa and reduced the abdominal fat amount. The phytogenic additives and their nano-particles improved the colour, water holding capacity, and flavor of meat. Moreover, these additives reduced the total intestinal bacterial count as well as the total aerobic mesophilic count of meat. The effect of PFA and their nano-particles on the bacterial count was similar to that of antibiotic. In conclusion, thyme and ginger with their nano- particles can be considered as promising agents in feeding of broilers to improve the growth performance, gut health and meat quality. Moreover, these additives can be used as alternatives to AGP to overcome its health hazards and the high cost. The nanotechnology of herbal plants enables them to be added in smaller amounts in poultry diets with producing the same effect of raw ingredients, and this could be due to the higher bioavailability.

Effects of using phytogenic additives in the diet of laying hens

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho, qualidade de ovos e morfologia intestinal de poedeiras da linhagem Hy-line Brown alimentadas com aditivos fitogênicos. Foram utilizadas 320 poedeiras da linhagem Hy-line Brown com idade entre 41 e 62 semanas, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, composto por cinco tratamentos, oito repetições e oito aves por unidade experimental. Foram avaliados a suplementação de três aditivos fitogênicos diferentes, sendo o tratamento 1 (dieta basal), tratamento 2 (basal + bicarbonato de sódio), tratamento 3 (dieta basal + produto 1), tratamento 4 (dieta basal + produto 2) e tratamento 5 (dieta basal + produto 3). As análises foram realizadas nos dias 0, 14 e 21, sendo avaliado o desempenho, qualidade dos ovos e morfologia intestinal. Não houve efeito para o desempenho dos animais; porém houve em relação à qualidade dos ovos. Quanto a morfologia intestinal na porção do jejuno, houve aumento no número de células caliciformes, altura de vilosidade, profundidade de cripta e razão vilosidade/cripta. Na morfologia do íleo houve aumento no número de células caliciformes, largura de vilosidade e razão vilosidade/cripta. Dessa maneira, pode-se inferir que os aditivos fitogênicos podem ser ofertados em dietas para poedeiras entre 41 e 62 semanas de idade com o objetivo de melhorar a qualidade dos ovos.

Effects of a phytogenic diet on growth, haemato-immunological parameters, expression of immune- and stress-related genes, and resistance of Oncorhynchus mykiss to Lactococcus garvieae infection

Phytogenic additives have been implicated in aquafeed owing to their proven growth-stimulating, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing efficacies. Herein, a short-term feeding experiment (21 days) was designed to explore the effects of a phytogenic additive, PASSIF MOOD® (PM, a mixture of Valeriana officinalis and Passiflora incarnata extracts), on growth, haemato-biochemical variables, immunity, and mRNA expression responses of rainbow trout fingerlings. After feeding, fish were experimentally infected with Lactococcus garvieae and monitored for an additional 20 days. Six groups were fed a commercial diet supplied with different PM levels as 0, 470, 940, 1410, 1880, and 2350 mg/kg and labeled as PM0 (control), PM1, PM2, PM3, PM4, and PM5 groups, respectively. Results revealed significant improvements in the growth of PM-supplied groups compared to the control. Dietary PM significantly increased RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values compared to those fed on a control diet. Stress indicators such as blood glucose and cortisol levels were significantly decreased in all PM groups than in controls. Moreover, there were significant increases in myeloperoxidase, respiratory burst, and lysozyme activities in PM groups than the control. The highest expression levels of the lysozyme II gene were found in the PM3, PM4, and PM5 groups. Moreover, the mRNA transcripts of il-10 and IgM heavy chain genes were significantly increased in all PM groups compared to the controls. Alternatively, the expression of tnf-α and hsp70 genes were significantly decreased in all PM groups compared to the controls. After challenge, the survival rates in PM0, PM1, PM2, PM3, PM4, and PM5 groups were 37.34%, 84.0%, 85.34%, 68.0%, 64.0%, and 36.0%, respectively, suggesting enhancement of the fish resistance in PM1, PM2, PM3, and PM4 groups compared to control. The results suggest the growth-promoting, antistress, and immunomodulatory roles of the tested phytogenic additive.

Effects of administering phytogenic additives and antibiotics to unchallenged nursery piglets: A meta-analytic approach

Effects of administering phytogenic additives and antibiotics to unchallenged nursery piglets: A meta-analytic approach

Assessing the potential of phytogenic feed additives: A comprehensive review on their effectiveness as a potent dietary enhancement for nonruminant in swine and poultry.

Phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) often referred to as phytobiotics or botanical feed additives, are natural compounds derived from various plants, herbs, spicesand other botanical sources. These feed additives are intended to serve a variety of purposes, including an immune system regulator, an antimicrobial, an antimutagenic, an antioxidantand a growth promoter. They are composed of bioactive compounds extracted from plants, including essential oils, polyphenols, terpenoidsand flavonoids. They are mostly utilized as substitute antibiotic growth promoters in nonruminant (swine and poultry) livestock production, owing to the prohibition of antibiotic usage in the feed industry. It has been thoroughly examined to ascertain their impact on intestinal health and activity, correlation with animals'effective health and well-being, productivity, food securityand environmental impact. The potential uses of these feed additives depend on the properties of herbs, the comprehension of their principal and secondary components, knowledge of their mechanisms of action, the safety of animalsand the products they produce. They are gaining recognition as effective and sustainable tools for promoting animal health and performance while reducing the reliance on antibiotics in nonruminant nutrition. Their natural origins, multifaceted benefitsand alignment with consumer preferences make them a valuable addition to modern animal farming process. However, because of their inconsistent effects and inadequate knowledge of the mechanisms of action, their usage as a feed additive has been limited. This review offers a comprehensive assessment of the applications of PFAs as an effective feed supplement in swine and poultry nutrition. In summary, this comprehensive review provides current knowledge, identifies gaps in researchand emphasizes the potential of phytogenic additives to foster sustainable and healthier livestock production systems while addressing the global concerns associated with antibiotic use in livestock farming.

PSXII-26 Effect of Different Supplements Plus Phytogenic Additives on Ruminal Bacterial Community of Grazing Beef Cattle

Abstract Changes in ruminal microbial community can affect animal productivity, nutrient utilization efficiency, and environmental impact. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two levels of supplementation plus a blend of phytogenic additives (essential oils, saponins, and spices) on the ruminal bacterial community in beef cattle grazing tropical pastures. The experiment was conducted at the Beef Cattle Sector of UNESP, Jaboticabal-BR, and lasted 84 days. Nine castrated Nellore steers (body weight of 262 ± 31.2 kg) cannulated in the rumen were assigned to 3 simultaneous 3 × 3 Latin square designs. Animals were kept on pasture of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu during the rainy season. The treatments included ad libitum mineral supplementation (MS) as the control group, added mineral supplementation of 0.1% of body weight per day plus Cargill phytogenic blend (AMSP), and energetic-protein supplementation, 0.3% of body weight per day plus Cargill phytogenic blend (EPSP). Ruminal samples were collected on day 26 of each experimental period. A mix of liquid and solid rumen content (6 mL) was taken before supplementation and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. Total genomic DNA was extracted using the Quick-DNA Fecal/Soil Microbe kit. The V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were amplified using universal primers 341F and 806R. The PCR fragments were submitted to sequencing on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 PE 250 platform. The sequences were processed using mothur, grouped into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) using a similarity cut-off value of 97%, and the bacterial OTUs were classified using the SILVA database. Bacterial community composition was compared between treatments using a Kruskal–Wallis test and Wilcoxon’s post-hoc test using Rstudio. A total of 27 phyla, 224 families, and 577 genera were assigned by the taxonomic analysis of the ruminal bacterial community (Figure 1). The phyla Bacteroidetes (44.45 ± 9.43) and Firmicutes (42.50 ± 7.18) represent over 86% of the total relative abundance in the rumen of Nellore steers and were not influenced by the supplementation (P ≥ 0.250). The relative abundances of the Spirochaetes phylum, Spirochaetaceae family, and Treponema genus decreased in the rumen of AMSP supplemented animals (P ≤ 0.037) and were similar between MS and EPSP (Figure 2). Additionally, the EPSP supplementation resulted in decreased relative abundances of TM7, TM7 family Incertae sedis, and TM7 genus Incertae sedis relative abundances compared with those in MS (P = 0.031) but not between AMSP and EPSP supplementations. The addition of phytotherapy blend in the supplements led to decreased SR1, SR1 family Incertae sedis, and SR1 genus Incertae sedis abundances in the rumen (P ≤ 0.012). This study indicates that the relative abundance of the dominant phyla was not affected by the supplementation levels, but the addition of the phytogenic blend in the supplement decreased the relative abundances of specific bacterial phyla, families, and genera,

PSXI-30 Ruminal Bacterial Diversity Indexes of Grazing Beef Cattle Receiving Different Supplements Plus Phytogenic Additives

Abstract The addition of phytogenic compounds that have antimicrobial activity in cattle supplements can promote changes in ruminal bacterial diversity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two levels of supplementation plus a blend of phytogenic additives (essential oils, saponins, and spices) on the measures of alpha and beta diversity in the rumen of beef cattle grazing tropical pasture. The experiment was carried out in the Beef Cattle Sector of UNESP, Jaboticabal-BR. The trial lasted 84 days and nine castrated Nellore steers (body weight of 262 ± 31.2 kg) cannulated in the rumen were assigned in 3 simultaneous 3 × 3 Latin square designs. Animals were kept on the pasture of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu in the rainy season. The treatments were: ad libitum mineral supplementation (MS) as control group; added mineral supplementation, 0.1% of body weight per day plus Cargill phytogenic blend (AMSP); and energetic-protein supplementation, 0.3% of body weight per day plus Cargill phytogenic blend (EPSP). Ruminal samples were collected on day 26 of each experimental period. A mix of liquid and solid rumen content (6 mL) was taken before supplementation, placed in cryogenic tubes, and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. All samples were stored at −80 °C until DNA extraction and analysis. Total genomic DNA was extracted using the Quick-DNA Fecal/Soil Microbe Miniprep kit. The V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were amplified primers 341F (CCTACGGGNGGCWGCAG) and 806R (GGACTACHVGGGTWTCTAAT). The PCR fragments were submitted to sequencing on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 PE 250 platform. The sequences were processed using mothur, grouped into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) using a similarity cut-off value of 97%, and the bacterial OTUs were classified using the SILVA database. Alpha diversity indices including Shannon, Simpson, Fisher, Chao1, and ACE, were calculated using the phyloseq package, while beta diversity was determined using the vegan package, both in Rstudio. Alpha diversity indices were compared between treatments using a non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test and Wilcoxon’s post-hoc test. Beta diversity was tested using permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) based on the Bray-Curtis similarity index. The AMSP and EPSP did not affect measures of alpha diversity (Figure 1), such as Shannon and Fisher indices (P = 0.219) as well as the richness index measured using Chao1 and ACE (P ≥ 0.363). A negative effect of supplementation on alpha diversity (P = 0.004) was only observed with Simpson’s Index of Diversity. Additionally, the supplementation did not change the beta-diversity of the ruminal bacterial community based on Bray–Curtis similarity index (P = 0.510; Figure 2). In conclusion, the addition of phytogenic compounds in the two levels of supplementation showed only a minor impact on the alpha diversity in the rumen of grazing beef cattle.

PSX-13 Effects of Different Supplementations During the Rainy Season on Nitrogen Metabolism of Beef Cattle Steers on Tropical Pasture

Abstract Phytogenic additives are used as food additives in ruminant nutrition due to their potential to alter the nitrogen (N) excretion route and minimize N emissions into the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two levels of supplementation plus a mixture of phytogenic additives (essential oils, saponins and spices) on the efficiency of N utilization by beef cattle in tropical pastures. The experiment was conducted at the Beef Cattle Sector of UNESP, Jaboticabal-BR, and lasted 84 days. Nine castrated Nelore steers (body weight 262 ± 31.2 kg) cannulated in the rumen were distributed in 3 simultaneous 3 × 3 Latin square designs. The animals were kept in pasture of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu during the rainy season. Treatments included ad libitum mineral supplementation (MS) as a control group, mineral supplementation added 0.1% of body weight per day plus Cargill phytogenic mixture (AMSP) and energy-protein supplementation, 0.3% of body weight per day plus Cargill phytogenic mixture (EPSP). Point urine and fecal samples were collected in the last three days of each experimental period. The concentration of total nitrogen in the urine was analyzed by the Kjeldahl procedure. The nitrogen composition of forage, supplements and feces was estimated by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) using a modular FT-NIR spectrometer (NIRFlex N500, Büchi Labortechnik AG, Flawil, Switzerland). Nitrogen retention was calculated using the following equation: NR = N intake (g/d) – [N excretion in feces (g/d) + N excretion in urine (g/d)]. The nitrogen metabolism data were analyzed as a 3 × 3 Latin square with 3 replications, balanced for residual effects. Considering as fixed effect the treatment, and as random effect the Latin square, period, steer, steer × period interaction, and residues corresponding to the model. The data obtained were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (P ≤ 0.05), using the statistical program R, version 3.4.4. The addition of phytogenic additives in the supplements led to decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.036) urinary excretion of N (g/day) from 41.16 g/day to 28.38 g/day and urinary excretion of N (% of N intake) from 30.66% to 23.21%, but did not differ between the different levels of phytogenic supplementation (Table 1). In addition, retained N (% of N intake) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in animals supplemented with AMSP and EPSP compared with MS, increasing N retention from 26.78% to 33.88%. This study indicates that the different levels of supplementation plus the addition of the phytogenic mixture improved the efficiency of N utilization by decreasing the excretion of N in the urine and increasing the retained N compared with MS supplementation.

Milk and Fresh Cheese Quality of Crossbred Cows Supplemented with Phytogenic Additives and Managed under Thermal Stress

This investigation aimed to assess the physiological parameters and quality of milk and fresh cheeses produced by cows that were housed in paddocks, either with or without shade, and supplemented with a phytogenic additive. Sixteen crossbred cows were allocated in a 4 × 4 Latin square design, dividing them into paddocks with or without shade, and providing or not providing a phytogenic additive in their feed. This resulted in a total of four treatment groups and sixteen experimental plots, each containing four animals, over four periods of 21 days. Various parameters were examined, including haematology, rectal and skin temperature, respiratory rate, milk yield and composition, serum parameters, and cheese yield and quality. It is worth noting that the temperature and humidity, as measured by a black globe thermometer, did not display significant variations between the different environments and exhibited minimal fluctuations throughout the day. Additionally, the supplementation of the phytogenic additive led to a reduction in haematocrit levels (p = 0.011). Furthermore, the analysis showed that whey obtained from cheese production had a higher fat content when cows were without access to shade (p = 0.005). Notably, there was an interaction between factors in relation to the total dry extract content, which was lower when cows had access to shade and received the additive (p = 0.010). In summary, the provision of a phytogenic additive and the presence or absence of shade did not bring about significant changes in milk production and quality or in the yield and quality of fresh cheese.

PSVI-16 Caps C2PG, a Blend of Spice Oleoresins, Can Substitute the Growth Promoting Effect of an Ionophore Feed Premix on Grow-Finish Pigs

Abstract Consumer demand is driving the swine industry to review the use of both antibiotic and ionophore-type antimicrobial agents in feed due to concerns of antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, when a feed mill is manufacturing feed for multiple species including those that are sensitive to ionophore contamination or toxicity such as horses, turkeys and game birds, additional vigilance is required which may deter use of ionophore-type antimicrobials in swine feed. Naturally, a large push has been toward the use of phytogenic additives that may also have some antimicrobial benefits. CAPS C2PG (Probiotech International Inc.) is a phytogenic feed additive comprised of a proprietary blend of spice oleoresins. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate CAPS C2PG as an alternative to the ionophore, salinomycin, in grow-finish pigs.Pigs (n = 1056 Improvest injected males) were housed in 48 pens distributed in 4 rooms (12 pens/room) of a compound building fully equipped with an automatic and computerized Gestal Feed system. Each pen (22 pigs/pen, with a starting density of 7.3 ft2/pig) was equipped with a single 2-space Crystal Spring feeder. During grow-finish (98.3 ± 0.6 days), pigs were allotted to three different treatments (16 repetitions/treatment): salinomycin (25 ppm; Sal.), CAPS C2PG (35 ppm; CAPS.), or a combination treatment (25 ppm Sal. + 35ppm CAPS C2PG; Sal. + CAPS.). Growth performances variables were measured with feed intake monitored per pen daily, and ADG assessed every 3 weeks based on pen weight. All dead or culled pigs were weighed upon removal. Data were analyzed by an ANOVA model (Statistix 8.0; Analytical Software, FL) including treatment and pen as fixed and random effects, respectively. Pairwise comparisons were completed with a Chi-square test. Results are presented in Table 1. There were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in any of the performance parameters measured throughout the grow-finish period. The lack of difference in performance variables of grow-finish pigs consuming Sal. versus CAPS. demonstrates the potential to substitute an antimicrobial ionophore-type with a phytogenic based on a blend of spice oleoresins. The lack of an additive effect of combining Sal. and CAPS. requires further investigation. With current CAD prices, 25 ppm of salinomycin are between CAD 1.75-2.00 per medicated tonne of feed, whereas 35 ppm of CAPS C2PG are about CAD 1.50 per supplemented tonne of feed. Thus, CAPS C2PG may be an economical and consumer-friendly option in grow-finish pig diets compared with salinomycin. Further research is warranted on the use of this product in other phases of pig production.

Effect of papaya (Carica papaya) seed as phytogenic feed additives on egg performance, egg quality and blood serum biochemical constituents of layer hens.

Supplementing poultry diets with certain natural phytogenic additives has positive impacts on performance parameters like feed intake, egg production and quality of layer hens. The study aimed to examine how supplementing papaya seed as phytogenic feed additive (PFA) to the diets of layer chickens affected their egg production, quality and blood serum biochemical parameters. One hundred twenty 28-week-old Bovans brown laying hens were randomly assigned to one of four treatments with varying levels of papaya seed supplementation at 0g/kg (T1), 5g/kg (T2), 10g/kg (T3) and 15g/kg (T4) in a complete randomized design. Layer chickens supplemented with 0.5% (T2), 1% (T3) and 1.5% (T4) papaya seed as a PFA had significantly (p<0.05) improved dry matter intake, egg production%, egg mass and feed conversion. On the other hand, papaya seed supplementation decreased (p<0.05) the bodyweight gain of laying hens. Papaya seed supplementation significantly (p<0.05) increased egg weight, length, width, yolk height and yolk colour compared to the control group. Serum total protein on T4 and liver enzyme of alkaline phosphatase on T3 were significantly greater (p<0.05) than in the control group. However, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in serum albumin, glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride and aspartate aminotransferase levels among treatments laying hens. Papaya seed can be a potential candidate as a PFA at 5-15g/kg of the basal diet to improve egg-laying performance and quality without deteriorating effect.