Phytogenic Additives Research Articles

Phytobiotic effect of Marrubium vulgare and Leonurus sibiricus on productive performance of griller-type broilers

ABSTRACT: The food industry is in a continuous search for strategies of reducing of antibiotic residues in livestock production, given the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In that context, there is a consistent increasing in the usage of alternative feed phytogenic additives. Due to the pharmacological, the plants Marrubium vulgare and Leonurus sibiricus, are both potential replacements for growth-promoting antibiotics. This study evaluated the productive performance and analyze the sensory qualities in the meat of broiler that were administered M. vulgare and L. sibiricus infusions. A total of 320 chicks from an poultry farm were distributed in 8 groups groups according treatments by 28 days: Control Group (Saline); Positive control (tylosin 1%, 50 ppm); Groups of M. vulgare (MV) infusion: 2% (MV2), 4% (MV4) and 6% (MV6); and groups treated with L. sibiricus (LS) infusion: 2% (LS2), 4% (LS4) and 6% (LS6), all of them received relative doses corresponding to the live weight percentage in milliliter. There was weght gain in MV6 and LS6 group and a better food conversion in MV4, MV6, LS4, and LS6. In addition, weight gain and enhancement of the pectoral muscles were observed in these groups. The sensory analysis revealed that the broilers’ meat of MV had a more intense flavor. For marketing purposes the meat from birds that received LS had a better demand. Improvement of productive performance and sensory qualities of the broilers meat might be associated with the phytobiotic activity in it. Therefore, MV and LS can be used as natural growth promoter in broilers.

Effect of varying level of ginger powder in the diet of starter turkeys on performance, haematological and serum biochemical indices

Dietary inclusion of various phytogenic additives has been used as alternative growth promoters in poultry. They enhance performance and stabilize health status of farm animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of inclusion of ginger powder to the diets of pre starter and starter turkeys at different levels (0g/kg, 2g/kg and 4g/kg) on its performance and some blood parameters. A total of one hundred and twenty day- old British United Turkey (BUT) poults were allotted on weight equalization basis into the 3 dietary treatments in a complete randomised design. Forty poults were assigned to each treatment group replicated four times with 10 poults per replicate. The study lasted for 56 days comprising of the prestarter (0-28 days) and starter (29-56 days) phases. At the pre-starter phase of the experiment, growth performance was not affected (p>0.05) by ginger powder inclusion while the starter phase showed improved (p<0.05) final weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Final weight increased (p<0.05) with ginger inclusion in the diets, while feed intake reduced linearly as ginger inclusion increased. Supplementation with ginger reduced haemoglobin and RBC of the pre starter turkeys. The RBC increases linearly (p<0.05) as ginger supplementation increases with starter turkeys. Serum albumin improved significantly (p<0.05) following dietary inclusion of 2 g/kg ginger powder at the starter (3.37g/dl) phase. In conclusion, starter turkeys fed diet containing ginger at 2 g/kg showed improved growth with improvement in hepatic enzyme activities.

Physio-immunological responses of Labeo rohita fingerlings to commonly used phytogenic feed additives: A comparative evaluation

Aim: The present experiment was undertaken to compare digestive, metabolic, antioxidant enzyme activities and immuno-biochemical responses in Labeo rohita fingerlings to some commonly used phytogenic feed additives. Methodology: Eleven experimental diets were prepared by supplementing fennel, coriander, cumin, fenugreek seed, turmeric, black pepper, peeled ginger, bay leaf, peeled onion bulb or peeled garlic clove meal at 1% inclusion level along with a control diet. Four hundred and ninety-five fingerlings (average weight 6.45±0.01 g) were distributed randomly in eleven experimental groups in triplicates with a stocking density of 15 fish per tank (400 l of water). Results: Turmeric, garlic or ginger meals appeared to be more effective than onion, fenugreek, cumin, coriander, fennel, black pepper and bay leaf meals for enhancing digestive, metabolic, antioxidant enzyme activities and innate immune functions. The physio-metabolic effects of phytogenic feed additives tested in Labeo rohita fingerlings were in the order of turmeric > garlic > ginger > onion > fenugreek > cumin > coriander > fennel > black pepper > bay leaf meal. Interpretation: The enhanced digestive and metabolic enzyme activities, antioxidant function, glucose homeostasis and improved innate immune function through modulation of the haemato-biochemical profile of Labeo rohita due to feeding of specific functional compounds present in turmeric, ginger and garlic meals compare to other phytogenic additives.

Phytogenic Additives Can Modulate Rumen Microbiome to Mediate Fermentation Kinetics and Methanogenesis Through Exploiting Diet-Microbe Interaction.

Ruminants inhabit the consortia of gut microbes that play a critical functional role in their maintenance and nourishment by enabling them to use cellulosic and non-cellulosic feed material. These gut microbes perform major physiological activities, including digestion and metabolism of dietary components, to derive energy to meet major protein (65–85%) and energy (ca 80%) requirements of the host. Owing to their contribution to digestive physiology, rumen microbes are considered one of the crucial factors affecting feed conversion efficiency in ruminants. Any change in the rumen microbiome has an imperative effect on animal physiology. Ruminal microbes are fundamentally anaerobic and produce various compounds during rumen fermentation, which are directly used by the host or other microbes. Methane (CH4) is produced by methanogens through utilizing metabolic hydrogen during rumen fermentation. Maximizing the flow of metabolic hydrogen in the rumen away from CH4 and toward volatile fatty acids (VFA) would increase the efficiency of ruminant production and decrease its environmental impact. Understanding of microbial diversity and rumen dynamics is not only crucial for the optimization of host efficiency but also required to mediate emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from ruminants. There are various strategies to modulate the rumen microbiome, mainly including dietary interventions and the use of different feed additives. Phytogenic feed additives, mainly plant secondary compounds, have been shown to modulate rumen microflora and change rumen fermentation dynamics leading to enhanced animal performance. Many in vitro and in vivo studies aimed to evaluate the use of plant secondary metabolites in ruminants have been conducted using different plants or their extract or essential oils. This review specifically aims to provide insights into dietary interactions of rumen microbes and their subsequent consequences on rumen fermentation. Moreover, a comprehensive overview of the modulation of rumen microbiome by using phytogenic compounds (essential oils, saponins, and tannins) for manipulating rumen dynamics to mediate CH4 emanation from livestock is presented. We have also discussed the pros and cons of each strategy along with future prospective of dietary modulation of rumen microbiome to improve the performance of ruminants while decreasing GHG emissions.

Does the dietary graded levels of herbal mixture powder impact growth, carcass traits, blood indices and meat quality of the broilers?

The present study was conducted to investigate the impacts of dietary supplementation of graded levels of herbal mixture powder (HMP) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood indices and meat quality of broilers. The herbal mixture consisted of (300 g [Capsicum annuum] Hot red pepper + 300 g Thymus vulgaris + 300 g Salvia rosmarinus + 150 g Pimpinella anisum + 150 g Mentha spicata + 300 g Nigella sativa + 300 g garlic [Allium sativum]). A total of 360 chicks of Hubbard broiler one-day-old were randomly distributed into six treatment groups. The groups consisted of the basal diet as a control and a powdered mixture of HMP groups at levels of (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 g HMP/kg diet). The chicks fed a basal diet plus 5 g HMP/kg diet had the highest (p < .05) values of live body weight (LBW) and body weight gain (BWG) at five weeks of age. Serum total protein, globulin, liver enzymes and kidney parameter values were reduced in groups treated with different levels of HMP compared with the control. At the same time, values of albumin, A/G ratio, IgM and lysozymes were increased in chicks treated with HMP. The quality of stored meat and antioxidative parameters were improved in groups fed HMP. Thus, it is concluded that HMP could be used as a natural additive to the broiler diet to enhance the growth rate and improve blood parameters and meat quality. Also, the oxidative rancidity was less in the meat of treated chicks during the storage period as compared to control. Highlights Phytogenic additives are used to enhance growth and productive performance. Chicks fed 5 g herbal mixture/kg diet had the best growth performance. The quality of stored meat and antioxidative parameters were improved in groups fed the herbal mixture.

Oral supplementation of the diet of growing rabbits with a newly developed mixture of herbal plants and spices enriched with special extracts and essential oils affects their productive performance and immune status

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding a mixture of herbal plants and spices enriched with special extracts and essential oils (phytogenic additives mixture) on feed intake, feed utilisation, blood chemistry, slaughter characteristics and caecal bacteria profile in rabbits. Ninety weaned unsexed V-Line rabbits, weighing 668.7 ± 8.2 g and aged 30 ± 1 days, were randomly allocated to three groups of 30 rabbits each and fed a basal diet without additives (Control rabbits) or supplemented with 0.5 mL (LA) or 1 mL (HA) of the additives mixture per litre of drinking water. Additives did not affect feed intake; however, the LA rabbits showed greater (P<0.001) feed conversion ratio compared to the other treatments. The LA treatment increased (P<0.01) final body weight and average daily gain compared to the control and HA treatments. Both the LA and HA treatments decreased (P<0.05) blood cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins; however, the LA treatment increased (P<0.05) high-density lipoproteins and total antioxidant capacity but decreased malondialdehyde (P<0.05) relative to the control treatment. Treatments did not affect carcass characteristics. The LA treatment followed by HA treatment increased (P<0.001) beneficial Lactobacillus spp. bacteria and decreased the concentrations of coliform bacteria and E. coli compared with the control treatment. It is concluded that additives mixture enhanced feed conversion and daily gain and positively altered caecal bacteria profile, with better effects of the low dose of the phytogenic additives mixture compared with the high dose.

Microbiota intestinal e os fatores que influenciam na avicultura

A avicultura de corte evoluiu e atingiu alto desempenho de produção, com diversas técnicas zootécnicas que contribuíram para o cenário atual, incluindo ambiência, genética e dieta – todas contribuindo e otimizando o sistema digestório das aves. O trato gastrointestinal é um sistema com diversas funções e atribuições dentro do organismo, dentre elas, digestão do hospedeiro, imunidade e bom funcionamento do sistema. A microbiota do intestino tem efeitos diretos sobre os processos metabólicos e posteriormente sobre o desempenho das aves. Assuntos relacionados a microbiota adquiriram relevância tanto para a manutenção quanto modulação destes microrganismos. Uma das manobras utilizadas no sentido de manipulação da microflora intestinal foi o uso de antibióticos, atuando como promotores de crescimento; porém esta classe de aditivo, por pressão sanitária, deverá ser abolida nos próximos anos, o que faz aparecer no cenário outras opções, dentre elas, os aditivos fitogênicos. Dentre estes últimos, os óleos essenciais têm ganhado destaque por sua atividade benéfica na microbiota bem como sua composição natural e impactos não residuais no processo. Com base nisto, objetivou-se a revisão sobre as pautas que tangem a microbiota intestinal na avicultura.

The Effects of a Phytogenic Additive on the Histomorphometric Characteristics of the Intestines in Weaned Pigs with a Subclinical Natural Infection withLawsonia intracellularis

AbstractProliferative enteropathy, also known as proliferative ileitis, is considered to be one of the most economically important diseases in pig production worldwide. The estimated losses per affected growing pig usually range from US $1 to $5. The disease is caused byLawsonia intracellularis, a Gram-negative, obligately intracellular bacterium. Control of the disease can be achieved with the use of vaccines or antibiotics. Recently there has been an increase in the efforts in the control of certain pathologies of the digestive system with phytogenic additives. The aim of this work was to assess the effects of a phytogenic additive on the histomorphometric characteristics of the intestines in weaned pigs with a subclinical infection withL. intracellularisacquired spontaneously. Histomorphometry analysis showed that crypt depth was significantly shorter (P&lt;0.05), and the villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio (P&lt;0.05) significantly greater in the treatment group than the control. This improvement in the histological parameters of the intestine, considered to be indicators of its health, proved the positive effect of the tested additive on the digestive system in pigs.

Phytogenic feed- and water-additives improve feed efficiency in broilers via modulation of (an)orexigenic hypothalamic neuropeptide expression

Fueled by consumer preference for natural and antibiotic-free products, phytogenics have become the fastest growing segment of the animal feed additives. Yet, their modes of action are not fully understood. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of 5 phytogenics (3 feed- and 2 water-supplements) on the growth performance of commercial broilers, and their potential underlying molecular mechanisms. Day-old male Cobb 500 chicks (n = 576) were randomly assigned into 48 pens consisting of 6 treatments (Control; AVHGP; SCP; BHGP; AVSSL; SG) in a complete randomized design (12 birds/pen, 8 pens/treatment, 96 birds/treatment). Chicks had ad libitum access to feed and water. Individual body weight (BW) was recorded weekly and feed intake was measured daily. Core body temperatures were continuously recorded using thermo-loggers. At d 35, hypothalamic tissues were excised from the thermo-logger-equipped chickens (n = 8 birds/treatment) to determine the expression of feeding-related neuropeptides.Both feed (AVHGP, SCP, BHGP) and water-supplemented (AVSSL, SG) phytogenics significantly improved feed efficiency (FE) compared to the control birds. This higher FE was achieved via a reduction in core body temperature and improvement of market BW, without changes in feed intake in broilers supplemented with phytogenic water additives as compared to the control group. Broilers fed dietary phytogenics, however, attained higher feed efficiency via a reduction in feed intake while maintaining similar BW as the control group. At the molecular levels, the effects of the phytogenic water additives seemed to be mediated by the activation of the hypothalamic AgRP-ORX-mTOR-S6k1 and inhibition of CRH pathways. The effect of the phytogenic feed additives appeared to be exerted through the activation of AdipoQ, STAT3, AMPK, and MC1R pathways.This is the first report describing the likely central mechanisms through which phytogenic additives improve the growth performance and feed efficiency in broilers.

Aditivos fitogênicos: óleos essenciais para frangos de corte - revisão

Os aditivos fitogênicos, demostram condição científica para agir como substituto aos antibióticos, pela sua funcionalidade em romper membranas bacterianas sendo efetivo ao combate contra os microrganismos, além de atuarem como antioxidantes. Utilizado de uma forma estratégica, em ação promotora, favorecerá principalmente a condição intestinal, elevando os ganhos zootécnicos e incrementando a prevenção de patologias, associadas a bactérias ou fungos. Portanto, objetivou-se com está revisão buscar informações cientificas, sobre quais são os aditivos fitogênicos, suas composições e modo de ação e as aplicabilidades com os resultados obtidos através do seu uso na alimentação de frangos de cortes. Para a realização desta revisão foi feita análise de trabalhos científicos que estudaram quais são os principais aditivos e seus princípios ativos, assim como seu modo de ação dos óleos essenciais e quais plantas possuem potencial para serem utilizados como aditivos fitogênicos , evidenciando os seus efeitos na alimentação de frangos de corte. Conclui-se que a utilização de ativos fitogênicos na forma de óleos essenciais pode ser utilizados nas rações de frangos, proporcionando melhorias na saúde intestinal das aves e consequentemente melhoria em seu desempenho produtivo. Mesmo sendo demostrado, seus pontos positivos, algumas condições ainda necessitam de ser elucidadas, como relação dose/ação e associação dos vários princípios ativos pertencentes aos aditivos fitogênicos, o que poderá proporcionar diversos novos estudos.

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

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

Putative impacts of phytogenic additives to ameliorate lead toxicity in animal feed.

Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal and an environmental pollutant, particularly because of its anthropogenic activity. The main impacts of Pb is recognized to cause injurious influences of various levels of the tropic chain, due to bio-accumulated lead causes many health issues such as intoxication of different body organs, such as kidneys and liver, and reproductive and nervous systems. Industrial lead toxicity has reduced as a result of the attempts to decrease the lead levels in the surrounding work environment. Conversably, health risks related with long-term environmental exposure to a low dose of Pb have been steadily demonstrated. Long-term exposure to lead toxicity caused inflammatory infiltration, degenerative changes in testicular tissues, reduction in spermatocytes, necrosis of hepatocytes, degeneration in renal tubules, and renal epithelium hypertrophy. Hence, we need an influential approach to vanquish lead toxicity. This consequence has emerged the necessity for potentially safe represent remedy, favorably keeping both enhancement and chelating of the antioxidant competences. Many antioxidants have been used for chelating heavy toxic pollutants such as lead and oxidative stress released in excess during lead exposure. Several studies have stated the noticeable gathering of herbal singly or in combination in modulating lead-induced disturbances, therefore proposing great promise in enhancing health status and welfare of man as well as animals. For this, in the current review, we tried to discuss the enormous harmful influences of lead toxicity on the animal model and the disturbing truth that this detrimental toxic substance can be found quite simply in the surroundings and amplitude.

Efficacy of Different Blends of Essential Oils on Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, Gut Microflora, and Meat Quality of Broilers

Background: The application of phytogenic additives in the form of essential oils have attracted considerable attention in poultry industry. OBJECTIVES: An experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of the blends of essential oils (EO) isolated from some medicinal plants including savory, thyme, fennel and rosemary on performance, blood metabolites, intestinal microflora, and meat quality of broilers. METHODS: Two hundred 1-day-old broilers were randomly allocated to 5 treatments with 4 replicates of 10 chicks. The dietary treatments included 1) NC (negative control; without EO), 2) PC (positive control; 300 mg commercial EO of oregano/kg diet), 3) SR (300 mg EOs of savory and rosemary/kg diet), 4) SRT (300 mg EOs of savory, rosemary and thyme/kg diet), 5) SRTF (300 mg EOs of savory, rosemary, thyme and fennel/kg diet). RESULTS: Neither PC nor combinations of EOs affected growth performance of broilers. Serum cholesterol reduced (P<0.05) by feeding the blend of EOs compared with NC. The lowest ileal Lactobacillus counts were observed in chicks fed diets supplemented with EO of oregano or SR (P<0.05). Dietary supplementation of oregano EO decreased (P<0.05) lipid peroxidation of thigh meat after 30 and 60 days of frozen storage compared with NC group. CONCLUSIONS: Broilers fed diets supplemented with EOs of oregano or SR had the lowest ileal Lactobacillus spp. counts probably due to their large amount of carvacrol contents which suppress growth and proliferation of Gram-positive bacteria. Contrary to blended EOs, oregano EO did not reduce serum cholesterol concentration, suggesting hypocholesterolemic effect of other compounds except carvacrol in EOs. The highest stability to meat oxidation was achieved in oregano EOs-fed broilers. This antioxidative effect was lower in treatments with less carvacrol contents

Dynamics of thymol dietary supplementation in quail (Coturnix japonica): Linking bioavailability, effects on egg yolk total fatty acids and performance traits.

Phytogenic additives such as thymol are encountering growing interest in the poultry industry. However, there are still questions concerning dynamics of their bioavailability, biological action, optimal dosage and duration of supplementation needed to achieve meaningful effects, as well as persistence of induced changes after supplement withdrawal. We studied the link between the dynamics of free thymol concentration and the changes in fatty acids composition in quail egg yolk, both during a month-long chronic dietary supplementation and after 3 weeks of supplement withdrawal (post-supplementation). Fifty, 85 days-old, female quail of homogeneous body weights (251±1g) in egg-laying peak were used. To evaluate potential dose-dependent effects, three increasing doses 2, 4, and 6.25 g of thymol/kg of feed (THY2, THY4 and THY6, respectively) and two controls were evaluated (n = 10). In parallel, we assessed the concomitant changes in free thymol excretion, potential liver histopathological changes, and birds´ performance traits. Egg yolk and droppings show a dose-dependent increase in THY concentration after 9 days of supplementation and a decrease after post-supplementation. In egg yolk, these changes were accompanied by reduced saturated fatty acid concentrations achieved by 28 days of supplementation in THY2 and 14 days of supplementation in THY4 and THY6. However, after post-supplementation the aforementioned effect disappeared in THY2 but not in THY4 and THY6. While THY2 failed to increase polyunsaturated fatty acids, THY4 and THY6 increased polyunsaturated fatty acids by day 14 of supplementation and remained increased after post-supplementation. Fatty acids changes induced by thymol are consistent with improved nutritional quality of eggs. No treatment effects were observed in liver histopathology and female performance. Findings suggest that both dose of thymol and duration of supplementation modulate thymol and fatty acids concentrations in egg yolk and thymol concentration in droppings. Furthermore, the persistence of those effects after post-supplementation period is also a dose-dependent phenomenon.

Effect of plant extracts derived from thyme and chamomile on the growth performance, gut morphology and immune system of broilers fed aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A contaminated diets

This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of chamomile flower extract (CFE) and thyme-oil extract (TOE) for the preventing effect of ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB) in broiler productivity, biochemical parameters, gut morphology and immune response of broilers. The experiment was conducted as a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement, being the factors: phytogenic additives (control, 3 g/kg diet of CFE, or 3 g/kg diet of TOE) and dietary contaminated diets (none, 0.50 mg/kg diet of AFB, 0.25 mg/kg diet of OTA, or 0.50 mg/kg diet of AFB + 0.25 mg/kg diet of OTA). Each of the 12 dietary treatments was fed to six replicate pens (10 birds/pen) from 0 to 28 d of age. Inclusion of phytogenic additives increased average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) from day 11 to 28 and day 0 to 28 in the birds fed OTA-AFB toxin diets. Significantly increased levels of HDL, IgG, IgM and anti-Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibody titre were observed in the two essential oil-treated groups when compared with the control group. When compared with the control, relative weights of gizzard, liver and pancreas were significantly higher for broilers fed diets containing OTA alone. The results indicated that OTA and AFB toxins, alone or in combination, reduced villous height (VH) and ratio of VH to crypt depth in the jejunum. The levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL and plasma immunoglobulin, as well as NDV antibody titre were significantly decreased by AFB-OTA toxin combination. In summary, the combination of OTA and AFB impaired chick immune function even at combined concentrations as low as 0.25 mg/kg diet of OTA and 0.50 mg/kg diet of AFB. The inclusion of TOE and CFE can be an alternative to ameliorate the adverse effects of low doses of AFB and OTA in broiler diets.HighlightsOchratoxin A and aflatoxin B1, alone or in combination, affect negatively productive performance and immune function.Dietary inclusion of chamomile flower extract (CFE) and thyme-oil extract (TOE) had positive effects on growth performance and immune response.Addition of CFE and TOE to diets can ameliorate the adverse effects of mycotoxins in broiler diets.

Minthostachys verticillata essential oils as potential phytogenic additives and chemoprotective strategy on aflatoxin B1 toxicity

ABSTRACT The aim of the current study was to evaluate the protective effects of Minthostachys verticillata essential oil (Mv-EO) against aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity in Vero cells in vitro and in male rats. The cytotoxicity of AFB1 (0-30 µg/mL) and Mv-EO (0-500 µg/mL) was determined on Vero cells using the Neutral Red assays. The tested Mv-EO did not cause genotoxicity or cytotoxicity in vivo and was able to attenuate AFB1-caused cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Animals were divided into four groups consisting of 5 (five) rats in each group: T1 basal feed (BF – negative control), T2 BF + Mv-EO [0.04%], T3 BF + AFB1 [100 µg/kg], T4 BF + food with AFB1 [100 µg/kg] + Mv-EO [0.04%]. Tissue samples were collected at the end of treatment period for genotoxic study and histological examination. Treatment with Mv-EO alone and even combined with AFB1 showed a significant improvement in the histomorphometry of intestinal villi, without alteration of productive parameters. Also, the micronucleus test demonstrated that Mv-EO reduced AFB1-induced DNA damage on bone marrow cells of male Wistar rats. This study demonstrated that Mv-EO could be used as protective against AFB1-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, and as phytogenic feed additive.

Agrimonia procera exerts antimicrobial effects, modulates the expression of defensins and cytokines in colonocytes and increases the immune response in lipopolysaccharide-challenged piglets

BackgroundBecause antibiotic use in livestock is assumed to contribute to the emerging public health crisis of antibiotic resistance, alternatives are required. Phytogenic additives are extensively studied due to their antibiotic properties. Components of Agrimonia species have been reported as candidate antimicrobials that possess antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. We studied the impact of Agrimonia procera (AP) on the growth of selected strains of gut bacteria, the effect of AP on the mRNA abundance of genes involved in inflammation and bacterial defense in a colon carcinoma cell line, the effect of AP in piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharides, and the effect of AP on the growth performance of healthy piglets.ResultsThe in vitro growth rate of different bacteria strains was negatively affected by AP, especially in Pediococcus pentosaceus and all tested E. coli strains. Stimulation of Caco-2 cells with TNFα resulted in elevated mRNA expression of CXCL1, IL-8 and GPX2. After pretreatment of cells with AP, stimulation of Caco-2 cells with TNFα still resulted in elevated mRNA expression of CXCL1 and IL-8 at all measured points in time. However, mRNA expression in AP-pretreated cells was lower after 6 h and 24 h. In addition, expression of DEFB1 and GPX2 was significantly elevated after TNFα stimulation. In vivo, application of lipopolysaccharides induced significantly increased animal body temperatures. Piglets pretreated with AP prior to lipopolysaccharide application showed a faster and larger increase in body temperature than controls. In addition, piglets pretreated with AP appeared to release more TNFα than controls. In healthy piglets, AP treatment had no impact on growth performance parameters. Fecal dry matter and total plasma antioxidant capacity tended to be higher in piglets treated with AP than in control piglets (P = 0.055 and P = 0.087, respectively).ConclusionsAP has antimicrobial effects in vitro and stimulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in Caco-2 cells. The additive had no effect on growth in healthy piglets but increased the immune response in LPS-treated animals. In addition, AP appeared to have antioxidative effects in vivo. Therefore, AP merits testing as a future alternative to antibiotics in animal husbandry.

Effects of phytogenic additives on meat quality traits in broiler chickens1.

Phytogenics have been reported to improve growth performances in farm animals and are thereby considered as potential key solutions for antibiotic-free livestock nutrition. Yet, their effects on meat quality are still not well defined; therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of 5 experimental phytogenic additives (3 dietary and 2 water supplements) on growth and meat quality in broilers. One-day-old broiler chicks (n = 576) were assigned to 48 floor pens and divided into 6 treatments (Control, AV/HGP/16 premix [AVHGP], Superliv concentrate premix [SCP], bacteriostatic herbal growth promotor [BHGP], AV/SSL/12 [AVSSL], and Superliv Gold [SG]) in a complete randomized design (8 pens/treatment with 12 birds/pen, and 96 birds/group). Feed intake and BW were recorded, and birds were processed at 42 d to evaluate carcass traits. Breast muscle tissues were excised to determine stress- and antioxidant-related genes expression. Both AVSSL- and SG-treated broilers produced heavier (P < 0.05) slaughter weights compared with the control-fed broilers, whereas AVSSL supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) fat pad size and increased (P < 0.05) breast weights compared with the control-fed broilers. Although pH and a* values remained unchanged, L* was decreased (P < 0.05) in all treatment and b* was reduced (P < 0.05) in SG when compared with controls. The trained sensory panelists detected more (P < 0.05) green herb flavor in the breast meat from AVHGP than SCP, SG, and control birds. The expression of superoxide dismutase 2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and JNK gene was upregulated in AVHGP and BHGP compared with the control (P < 0.05). Together, these results indicated that phytogenic additives might improve meat quality of broilers through modulation of stress- and antioxidant-related pathways.

Effect of supplementing layer hen diet with phytogenic feed additives on laying performance, egg quality, egg lipid peroxidation and blood biochemical constituents.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing laying hen diet with phytogenic additives on laying performance, egg quality, blood constituents and egg lipid peroxidation. Two hundred Lohmann Brown Lite laying hens were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments: control (without phytogenic additive), fennel seeds (5 g/kg), black cumin seeds (5 g/kg) and hot red pepper (5 g/kg). Each of the 4 diets was fed to 5 replicates of 10 hens for 8 weeks. No significant differences were observed in body weight or feed intake between the groups. Dietary inclusion of fennel followed by red pepper improved (P < 0.05) egg weight, egg production, egg mass and feed conversion ratio compared with control. Higher yolk shape index, shell and albumen weight percentages and Haugh unit (P < 0.05) were recorded in the fennel supplemented group compared with control. The egg yolk color score increased by the addition of fennel or hot red pepper in laying hen diets compared with control. The inclusion of black cumin or hot red pepper decreased serum and egg yolk cholesterol and malondialdehyde concentrations (P < 0.05) compared with control. Serum aspartate aminotransferase concentration was lower in black cumin group (P < 0.05) than in other treatments. In conclusion, the best laying performance and egg quality were obtained by dietary inclusion of fennel, followed by hot red pepper and black cumin. Dietary supplementation of black cumin or red pepper may lead to the development of low-cholesterol concentration and better antioxidant capacity of eggs.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): An Underutilized Phytogenic Additive in Poultry Nutrition

The aim of this review paper is to explore the available information from research findings on the use of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) as a reliable phytogenic antibiotic for poultry production in the tropics especially in Nigeria and other countries. A wide range of phytogenic additives has found a growing interest in fortification of poultry diets. Supplementation of natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in order to maintain both birds‘ performance and health in the tropics will be a welcome development. Turmeric has reportedly been widely supplemented in poultry diets as natural alternative antibiotics in several studies with outstanding performances. The nutritional, medicinal, haematological and phyto-toxicological effects of turmeric were reviewed in this paper. Hence, turmeric supplementation at recommended inclusion rate in poultry feeds without posing any deleterious effects to the birds‘ performances as well as the consumers of the products, and ultimately, leading to better profitability on the part of the farmers, will be a nutritional breakthrough for the farmers in the tropics.