Reduced Feed Conversion Research Articles

269 Copper Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate as a Reduce and Replace Cu Strategy in Growing Pigs

Abstract Research has shown that minerals supplied in the methionine hydroxy analogue chelate (MHAC; MINTREX Trace Minerals [Novus International Inc., St. Charles, MO]) form are more available than inorganic trace minerals. Research in weaned pigs demonstrated improved pig performance when Cu was provided in the Cu-MHAC form compared with inorganic Cu sources. In the growing pig it may be desirable to reduce the amount of total Cu fed to minimize Cu excretion while maintaining animal performance. Data from 8 studies, 4 studies per Cu source comparison, was used to compare 50 mg/kg of Cu as Cu-MHAC with either 125 mg/kg Cu as CuSO4 or 150 mg/kg Cu supplied in the tri-basic copper chloride (TBCC) form. There were 44 pens of 23 pigs per pen for each Cu source in the Cu-MHAC vs TBCC comparison and 39 pens of 22 pigs per pen for each Cu source for the Cu-MHAC vs. CuSO4 comparison. Cu-MHAC was compared with CuSO4 in separate trials from those comparing Cu-MHAC vs TBCC. Trials were conducted across all seasons. Pigs had previously received either CuSO4 or TBCC during the nursery phase. Data were analyzed with the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS using trial as a random effect. Outlier analysis was conducted for each parameter with any observation greater than 3 standard deviations from the treatment mean removed. Pigs in the Cu-MHAC vs CuSO4 comparisons averaged 29.3 + 2.18 kg of BW while those used in the Cu-MHAC vs TBCC comparisons averaged 31.0 + 2.33 kg of BW. Average study duration was 105 days. Average market weight sold was 0.45 kg/pig (P = 0.52) and 0.59 kg/pig (P = 0.46) less for Cu-MHAC than CuSO4 and TBCC pigs respectively. Adjusted feed conversion was 4 points lower (P = 0.12) and 2 points lower (P = 0.25) for the Cu-MHAC vs CuSO4 and TBCC pigs respectively. Removal percentage during the studies ranged from 3.63% to 4.91% with the Cu-MHAC pigs having 0.6 percentage points less removals than the CuSO4 (P = 0.52) and 0.7 percentage points less removals than the TBCC (P = 0.38) treatment. The fewer removals resulted in the Cu-MHAC treatment having 3 points decreased feed conversion (P = 0.25) than TBCC pigs and 6 points decreased feed conversion (P = 0.12) than CuSO4 pigs on a pen basis. The combined Cu-MHAC analysis vs combined inorganic Cu source analysis showed that Cu-MHAC pigs had 4 points less feed conversion on both an adjusted (P = 0.06) and closeout (P = 0.06) basis than pigs fed inorganic Cu. The cumulative removal rate was 0.7 percentage points less for the Cu-MHAC pigs (P = 0.29). These results indicate supplying Cu as 50 mg/kg Cu-MHAC can reduce feed conversion compared with 125 mg/kg Cu as CuSO4 and 150 mg/kg Cu as TBCC in growing-finishing diets.

Effect of Bacillus licheniformis probiotic on the culture of hybrid grouper (♀ Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ Epinephelus polyphekadion)

This study investigated the effect of Bacillus licheniformis VLPPro® SB538 supplementation on hybrid grouper's culture water quality, growth performance, and intestinal health. A total of 240 juvenile hybrid grouper were randomly distributed into four experimental groups (n = 20, 718.15 ± 16.12 g): 0 g/m³ (the control group, WT), 0.375 g/m³ (the low concentration group, WL), 0.750 g/m³ (the moderate concentration group, WM), and 1.500 g/m³ (the high concentration group, WH). The experiment was conducted in triplicate tanks for 4 weeks. Water quality parameters, including ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate, were monitored regularly. Growth performance parameters such as weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio were recorded. Additionally, the intestinal health of the fish was assessed by examining the histopathological changes and the expression of intestinal permeability-related substances in the gut. The results revealed that Bacillus licheniformis supplementation significantly improved the water quality in the culture tanks, as evidenced by reduced ammonia and nitrite levels. Furthermore, hybrid grouper in the treatment group exhibited significantly enhanced growth performance, including higher weight gain and specific growth rate, along with a reduced feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. Intestinal health was also positively influenced by Bacillus licheniformis, as indicated by histopathological analysis. Moreover, the decreased concentration of D-lactic and the amelioration of hindgut morphology indicated that Bacillus licheniformis possessed the function of improving intestinal health in hybrid grouper. The findings of this study demonstrate the beneficial effects of Bacillus licheniformis supplementation on the culture water quality, growth performance, and intestinal health of hybrid grouper. The improved water quality and enhanced growth performance can contribute to grouper aquaculture's sustainability and economic viability.

Comparison Utilization of Papaya Leaf Extract (Carica papaya) and Mint Leaf Extract (Mentha piperita) in Feed on Production and Quality of Quail Egg

Phytobiotics are derivated from the plants which contains active compounds. They produce antibacterial and antioxidants activity and can improve the condition of the digestive tract. Papaya leaf extracts and mint leaf extracts have the potential as natural phytobiotics because they have antibacterial, antioxidant properties, can improve alimentary tract conditions and increase the absorption of nutrients in the feed. The aim of this study was to compare the utilization of papaya leaf extract (EDP) and mint leaf extract (EDM) in feed on the production and quality of quail egg. A hundried and fourty quails of 42 days age were arranged in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 4 replicates (7 quails per replicate). The treatment diets consisted of P0 = Basal diet only (Control), P1 = Basal diet + 100 ppm EDP, P2 = Basal diet + 200 ppm EDP, P3 = Basal diet + 100 ppm EDM and P4 = Basal diet + 200 ppm EDM. The results approved that mint leaf extract reduces in feed consumption, increase egg production and mass and reduce feed conversion values, in contrast the papaya leaf extract ​​produce non-significant on those variables. However, papaya leaf extract was able to increase more white index values and haugh unit ​​of quail egg, while mint leaf extract increased more yolk index values. The addition of 100 ppm mint leaf extract resulted in the highest value of egg production and egg mass. Therefore, the perfomance and quality of eggs in mint leaf group were better than papaya leaf group.

Productivity parameters, antimicrobial consumption, and prevalence of enteric pathogens before and after intramuscular vaccination against Lawsonia intracellularis in naturally infected Danish weaner and finisher pig herds.

In Danish pig production, gastro-intestinal diseases account for most of the antimicrobials (AM) used in growing pigs. Diarrhoea is most frequently caused by Lawsonia intracellularis (LI), Brachyspira pilosicoli (BP), E coli fimbria type F4 (F4) and E. coli fimbria type F18 (F18). With a new LI vaccine available from 2019, it was relevant to investigate the effect of this vaccine in a Danish field study including both weaner and finisher sites. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of Porcilis® Lawsonia Vet. in naturally LI-infected pig herds by comparing of productivity parameters, AM consumption and dynamics of enteric pathogens over two 6-months periods before and after LI vaccination. Further, faecal sock samples were collected from each site before and after vaccination and analysed by qPCR for excretion levels of LI, BP, F18 and F4. In total, 28 weaner and 41 finisher sites were included in the study. Vaccination reduced Feed Conversion Ratio by 0.12 Feed Unit/kg (p=0.029) and 0.08 Feed Unit/kg (p=0.005) in weaners and finishers, respectively. Increased Average Daily Weight Gain of 45.6 gr./day (p< 0.001) was found in the finishers. Mortality risk fell by 8.8% in weaners (RR = 0.912; p< 0.001). AM prescriptions for oral group treatments were reduced by 38.8% active compound/kg pig produced (p=0.005) or 33.3% Weighted Animal Daily Doses per 100 animals per day in finishers (p=0.004). LI prevalence was reduced in weaners and finishers (both p <0.001) and BP prevalence was reduced in finishers (p=0.043). Mean excretion levels of LI and BP decreased at weaner sites (-1.32 and -1.02log(10) copies/gr faeces, respectively; both p< 0.001) and at finisher sites (-1.04 and -1.16log(10) copies/gr faeces, respectively; both p< 0.001). Prevalence and excretion levels of F18 and F4 were unaffected by LI vaccination. In conclusion, vaccination against LI using Porcilis® Lawsonia Vet. improved productivity parameters, cut AM consumption, and reduced prevalence and excretion levels of LI and BP in naturally LI-infected pig herds.

Nanopeptide C-I20 as a novel feed additive effectively alleviates detrimental impacts of soybean meal on mandarin fish by improving the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Antibacterial peptide has been widely developed in cultivation industry as feed additives. However, its functions in reducing the detrimental impacts of soybean meal (SM) remain unknown. In this study, we prepared nano antibacterial peptide CMCS-gcIFN-20H (C-I20) with excellent sustained-release and anti-enzymolysis, and fed mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) with a SM diet supplemented with different levels of C-I20 (320, 160, 80, 40, 0 mg/Kg) for 10 weeks. 160 mg/Kg C-I20 treatment significantly improved the final body weight, weight gain rate and crude protein content of mandarin fish and reduced feed conversion ratio. 160 mg/Kg C-I20-fed fish maintained appropriate goblet cells number and mucin thickness, as well as improved villus length, intestinal cross-sectional area. Based on these advantageous physiological changes, 160 mg/Kg C-I20 treatment effectively reduced multi-type tissue (liver, trunk kidney, head kidney and spleen) injury. The addition of C-I20 did not change the muscle composition and muscle amino acids composition. Interestingly, dietary 160 mg/Kg C-I20 supplementation prevented the reduction in myofiber diameter and change in muscle texture, and effectively increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially DHA + EPA) in muscle. In conclusion, dietary C-I20 in a reasonable concentration supplementation effectively alleviates the negative effects of SM by improving the intestinal mucosal barrier. The application of nanopeptide C-I20 is a prospectively novel strategy for promoting aquaculture development.

Produktifitas Broiler yang Diberikan Ekstrak Kulit Manggis dan Ekstrak Daun Sirsak Via Air Minum

Broiler are chickens that are genetically developed to achieve high body weight gain quickly. Rapid growth requires feed that has the right nutritional content to meet and support broiler chickens. This research aims to evaluate supplements from soursop leaf extract and mangosteen peel extract in broiler activity. This study used Complete Randomized Design (CRD) 5x4, namely 5 types of treatment and 4 replications. P0 = without the addition of soursop leaf extract and mangosteen peel extract; P1 = addition of 2 mg/KgBW soursop leaf extract + 2 mg/KgBW mangosteen peel extract; P2 = addition of 4 mg/KgBW soursop leaf extract + 4 mg/KgBW mangosteen peel extract; P3 = Addition of 6 mg/KgBW soursop leaf extract + 6 mg/KgBW mangosteen peel; P4= Addition of 8 mg/KgBW soursop leaf extract + 4 mg/KgBW mangosteen peel. The observed variables included consumption of broiler, body weight gain, feed consumption ratio, and mortality. The results showed that the addition of mangosteen peel extract and soursop leaf extract at a level of 2 mg/KgBW was able to increase body weight gain and reduce feed conversion

Effect of different levels of green tea (Camellia sinensis) and mulberry (Morus alba) leaves powder on performance, carcass characteristics, immune response and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens.

In recent years, the use of medicinal plants as an alternative to antibiotics has expanded. Plants containing medicines and antioxidants can improve the performance of poultry. The purpose of this study was to achieve the appropriate levels of green tea leaf powder (GTP) and mulberry leaf powder (MLP) in the diet, which positively affects broilers' performance. 648 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated to nine dietary treatments with six replicates and each replicate containing 12 birds based on a completely randomised design (CRD) in a factorial arrangement of 3 × 3 with three levels of GTP, and three levels of MLP for 42 days. Treatments included: (1) no GTP + no MLP (control), (2) 1% GTP + no MLP, (3) 2% GTP + no MLP, (4) no GTP + 1% MLP, (5) 1% GTP + 1% MLP, (6) 2% GTP + 1% MLP, (7) no GTP + 2% MLP, (8) 1% GTP + 2% MLP and (9) 2% GTP + 2% MLP. The results revealed that the effect of added powders (2%) was significant and increased daily weight gain (DWG) and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group during the grower and whole phases (p < 0.05). On 35 days, the control and 2% GTP + 2% MLP treatment had the lowest and highest antibodies titre (total and immunoglobulin G [IgG]), respectively (p < 0.05). The groups fed with 1% GTP + 1% MLP showed higher villus height (VH) compared to the control, 2% GTP + 1% MLP, 1% GTP + 2% MLP, and 2% GTP + 2% MLP groups (p < 0.05). The ratio of the villus height to crypt depth (VH: CD) in treatments 1% GTP + no MLP, 2% GTP + no MLP and 1% GTP + 1% MLP was significantly higher than the control treatment (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the addition of 2% GTP or MLP could improve humoral immune response and performance, and the addition of 1% GTP without MLP increased VH: CD in broilers.

Amorphous solid dispersion preparation via coprecipitation improves the dissolution, oral bioavailability, and intestinal health enhancement properties of magnolol

Magnolol (MAG) is a multifunctional plant polyphenol with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and antitumor properties. In poultry, it has been shown to improve growth performance, antioxidant, immune functions and intestinal health. However, its applications are limited by poor solubility and low oral bioavailability. This study aimed at improving the water solubility of MAG through solid dispersion and investigating its effects in Arbor Acre (AA) broilers. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose succinic acid (HPMCAS) was used as a carrier to prepare magnolol solid dispersions (MAG-HPMCAS SD) via antisolvent coprecipitation, which were characterized thereafter. Optimal formulation proportions for SD were screened by in vitro dissolution assays, while its effects on improving absorption were investigated via in vivo pharmacokinetic assays. In addition, we evaluated the effects of MAG-HPMCAS SD on growth performance, antioxidant status, and gut microbiota in AA broilers. The powder samples prepared via antisolvent coprecipitation did not exhibit a crystal diffraction peak of MAG in powder X-ray diffractions or melting point peak in differential scanning calorimetry, proving the successful preparation of an amorphous solid dispersion system. The in vitro dissolution assay showed that the cumulative dissolution rate of MAG-HPMCAS(LF) SD (2:8, w/w) was 100%. Pharmacokinetic analyses revealed that the peak concentration (Cmax) of MAG-HPMCAS SD was 5.07 ± 0.73 μg/mL, which was 1.76 times greater than that of MAG. In addition, AUC0-48 and t1/2 of MAG-HPMCAS SD were 40.49 ± 6.29 g·h/mL and 9.15 ± 3.23 h, respectively, which were 2.17 and 2.56 times higher than those of MAG. Supplementation of MAG-HPMCAS SD in AA broilers significantly increased ADG (7-14 d and 15-21 d) and reduced feed conversion ratio (15-21 d) (P < 0.05). Bacterial diversity in the MAG-HPMCAS SD-supplemented group was greater than in the Control and MAG-supplemented group. Supplementation of MAG-HPMCAS SD stimulated the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae. In conclusion, the MAG-HPMCAS SD prepared by coprecipitation improved the dissolution rate, the bioavailability of MAG, growth promotion, antioxidant effects and gut health in broilers.

Pasta wastes, as substitute for corn, in the laying Japanese quails diet: Effects on production performance, egg quality and blood biochemistry.

Animal food shortage and finding efficient ways to produce poultry products are getting more and more important issues in the world. This study was aimed to determine the effect of replacing corn with pasta wastes (0%, 50% and 100%) in the diet on production performance, some blood variables and the egg quality traits of laying quails. A total of 240 laying quails were allocated into 3 experimental groups with 8 replicates for 8 weeks. Egg production percentage, egg mass, feed intake and also mortality rate and percentage of abnormal eggs, egg quality traits and blood variables were evaluated. None of the pasta wastes inclusion had significant effect on egg mass, abnormal egg percentage, mortality rate, yolk diameter, yolk weight, albumen height, yolk index, shell weight percentage, egg shape index and blood parameters (except for triglycerides). Replacing 100% corn with pasta by-product reduced feed conversion ratio and increased egg weight values. Replacing 100% corn by pasta wastes significantly increased the albumen weight, shell weight and also egg length and width and decreased the Haugh unit. Replacing 50% and 100% corn had a significant increase in yolk height, egg surface area and significantly decreased shell thickness and yolk colour. Overall, 100% replacement of corn by pasta by-product increased blood triglycerides compared to the 50% group. Based on the result of current experiment, total replacement of corn with pasta wastes could increase the egg weight and also improve feed conversion ratio in the laying quail diets.

Effect of microencapsulation of egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) by sodium alginate/chitosan/sodium alginate on the growth performance, serum parameters, and intestinal health of broiler chickens.

Egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) is an antibiotic alternative to prevent and fight intestinal pathogenic infections. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sodium alginate/chitosan/sodium alginate IgY microcapsules on the growth performance, serum parameters, and intestinal health of broiler chickens. One-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were divided into five treatments, each with 10 replicates of five chickens. The dietary treatments were maintained for 28 days and consisted of a basal diet (NC), basal diet + 500mg chlortetracycline/kg diet (CH), basal diet + 50mg non-microencapsulated IgY/kg diet (NM), basal diet + 600mg low levels microencapsulated IgY/kg diet (LM), and basal diet + 700 mg high levels microencapsulated IgY/kg diet (HM). Throughout the 28-day trial period, the NM, LM, HM and CH groups increased average daily gain (ADG) compared with the NC group (P < 0.05), and the HM group reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with the CH group (P < 0.05). The LM and HM groups increased relative organ weights of thymus and spleen compared with the CH and NM groups (P < 0.05). The HM group improved the duodenal, jejunal and ileum villi height (VH) and villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) compared with the CH and NM groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the CH group, the HM group increased serum immunoglobulin (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels (P < 0.05), and decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P < 0.05). Compared with the NC group, the NM, LM, HM, and CH groups reduced colonic Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella levels (P < 0.05). and the HM group promoted the levels of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria compared with the CH group (P < 0.05). Microencapsulation could be considered as a way to improve the efficiency of IgY. The 700 mg high levels microencapsulated IgY/kg diet could potentially be used as an alternative to antibiotics to improve the immune performance and intestinal health, leading to better performance of broiler chickens.

Lactobacillus Plantarum injection at the embryonic stage alters the early growth performance and lipid metabolism of broilers by specific genera of bacteria

The main objective of this study was to explore the effects of broiler embryonic injection of Lactobacillus Plantarum on the growth performance, lipid metabolism of serum and liver, microbial diversity, and short-chain fatty acids of broiler intestines after hatching. On d 14 of incubation, 720 eggs of Arbor Acres were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups: no treatment control (C), Treatments injected with stroke-physiological saline solution (S), Supernatant of MRS medium culture of lactobacillus (Q) and Lactobacillus Plantarum spp. (J). The Hatch rate for each replicate was counted at 1 d of age. After hatching, each group were divided into six replicates of 10 broilers, and chicken from groups C, Q and J were reared until 14 d of age. The production performance of the three groups of chicks from 1 to 14 days was recorded and statistically analyzed separately. Serum and liver tissue were collected at 7 and 14 days of age for the detection of lipid metabolism index. 16S rDNA sequencing and Short-Chain Fatty Acids measurement of cecum contents were performed at 14 days of age. Overall, Lactobacillus injection significantly reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 1-7 and 1-14 days of age, compared to the other 2 groups (P < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that the Roseburia and coprobacillus had a significantly positive correlation with body weight (P < 0.05). The Roseburia and lachnospira were significantly correlated with FCR (P < 0.05), and the absolute abundance of g_Anaerostipes as a biomarker in the J group was higher than in the C group (P < 0.05). The Q and J group increased the content of acetic, propionic, butyric, and total acid in the cecum contents (P < 0.05). In the jejunum, the J group increased the content of acetic, propionic, butyric, and total acids compared to the C and Q groups (P < 0.05). The J group increased the blood of total cholesterol (TC) content at 1 day of age and the triglyceride (TG) content of 7- and 14-day-old broilers (P < 0.05). and the J group raised the TG, TC, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level in the liver of 14-day-old broilers (P < 0.05). The J group reduced the liver's low-density lipoprotein (LDL) at 14 days of age (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the lactobacillus Plantarum injection at the embryonic stage alters lipid metabolism by short-chain fatty acids especially butyric produced by the specific bacteria of Roseburia and Anaerostipes.

Effects of different levels of dietary chlorogenic acid supplementation on growth performance, intestinal integrity, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens at an early age

This study was conducted to investigate effects of graded levels of chlorogenic acid (CGA) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, intestinal integrity, and antioxidant capacity of broilers at an early age. Two hundred and forty one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were assigned to five groups with six replicates of eight birds each, and were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (Control group), 125, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg CGA for 14 days, respectively. The CGA administration linearly and quadratically increased body weight and weight gain and quadratically reduced feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05), and these effects were more pronounced when its dosage was 500 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The CGA supplementation especially at a level of 500 mg/kg linearly increased glucose concentration and quadratically lowered serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels (P < 0.05). Dietary CGA administration linearly and quadratically reduced plasma diamine oxidase activity and D-lactate concentration (P < 0.05), and these effects were more prominent in 500 mg/kg CGA-supplemented group (P < 0.05). The CGA supplementation linearly increased the ratio between duodenal villus height and crypt depth and ileal villus height (P < 0.05). Moreover, supplementing 500 mg/kg CGA elevated the ratio of jejunal villus height and crypt depth when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The CGA administration linearly and/or quadratically increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione level, and decreased malondialdehyde concentration in serum, duodenum, and jejunum (except T-AOC activity and glutathione level in jejunum) (P < 0.05). Moreover, an addition of CGA linearly or quadratically increased T-AOC activity and glutathione level and reduced malondialdehyde concentration in ileum (P < 0.05). The beneficial effects of CGA on the antioxidant capacity in serum and intestinal mucosa were more apparent when its supplemental level was 500 mg/kg. The results suggested that CGA could improve growth performance, intestinal integrity, and antioxidant status of broilers at an early age, with its recommended dosage being 500 mg/kg.

Effect of intramuscular vaccination against Lawsonia intracellularis on production parameters, diarrhea occurrence, antimicrobial treatment, bacterial shedding, and lean meat percentage in two Danish naturally infected finisher pig herds

Lawsonia intracellularis (LI) is an economically important enteric pathogen in pigs with a worldwide endemic prevalence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an intramuscularly administrated LI vaccine (Porcilis®Lawsonia Vet.) in Danish finisher pigs (30–115 kg) measured on key production figures, antimicrobial (AB) treatments, occurrence of diarrhea and LI shedding.The study was a group-randomized block-trial with parallel groups in two herds, Herd 1 and Herd 2, experiencing a natural subclinical-clinical LI infection in early finisher period. Vaccination occurred at weaning, but the study focused on the first eight weeks in the finisher period. Further, slaughterhouse data were included.In total, 52 and 50 finisher pens comprising 2184 and 2254 finisher pigs were included in each of two herds, respectively. LI vaccination significantly reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 0.05 and 0.09 FU/kg (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001) alongside a significantly increased average daily weight gain (ADWG) by 31 and 43 gr/day (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001) in each of the herds, respectively. In the vaccinated group, less variation was found in ADWG compared to the control group (p < 0.001 in both herds) as an expression of a more uniform growth, which was further confirmed by less variation in lean meat percent in the vaccinated group in one herd (p = 0.007). No significant difference between groups were found in mortality and pigs excluded due to welfare reasons. AB flock treatment against diarrhea was significantly reduced in Herd 1 with all pens treated in the control group compared to 30.8 % in the vaccinated group (p < 0.001). In Herd 2, the difference was non-significant with 68.0 % in the control group compared to 50.0 % in the vaccination group (p = 0.252). Low levels of individual treatments against diarrhea were seen in both herds (≤ 5.0 %) but still significantly reduced in vaccinated pigs compared to control pigs (p < 0.050 in both herds). Mean diarrheic blot counts were significantly reduced in vaccinated pens compared to control pens (p < 0.001 in both herds). In vaccinated pigs, shedding of LI was reduced in both prevalence (p < 0.001 in both herds), excretion level in positive samples (p < 0.001 in both herds) and, in one herd, also in duration (p = 0.003) when compared to control pigs.In conclusion, pigs vaccinated with Porcilis®Lawsonia Vet against LI in both of two high-health and high-productive finisher herds had, compared to non-vaccinated pigs, significantly improved key production figures, and reduced AB treatment, occurrence of diarrhea, LI shedding, and growth variation.

Effect of Anise Essential Oil Supplementation on Growth Performance of Nile Tilapia Reared at Low Dissolved Oxygen Level

Medicinal herbs are the most utilized and validated feed additives in the aquaculture industry. This study investigated the dietary effects of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Three sets of diets were prepared by spraying Anise essential oil on a commercial basal diet (30% crude protein) at the rate of 0 (control), 1, and 2 mL/kg diet. The experimental groups were assigned a 3 × 2 factorial design (3 level of anise oil; 0, 1, 2 ml) × 2 levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration. The experiment was assembled as a control no anise (high DO), 1 ml + (high DO), 2 ml + (high DO), Control 0 ml (low DO), 1 ml anise (low DO), and 2 ml anise (low DO). Fish were fed the diets for 60 days consecutively at 3% body weight. The feed intake was recorded daily by subtracting the remaining feed in the containers from the total amount of feed before feeding. The results showed a marked enhancement in the growth performance and reduced feed conversion ratio in fish-fed anise compared to the control group. The carcass composition showed that crude protein was meaningfully by 2.5 and 3.5 g anise per kg diet. In conclusion, incorporating anise into the diet of Nile Tilapia is suggested to enhance performances and well-being.

Effects of dietary supplementation of turmeric and black cumin powder on performance and blood parameters of native chickens

This study was conducted to determine the effect of supplementation of a mixture of turmeric and black cumin powder on the production performance, blood parameters, and quality of native chicken eggs. Ninety-six female native chickens aged 17 weeks were randomly allocated in a completely randomized design into four treatments. The four treatments were differentiated based on the level of supplementation of a mixture of turmeric (TP) and black cumin powder (BCP), namely T0: Control (without a mixture of TP and BCP); T1: (2.5 g TP + 2.5 g BCP)/kg ration; T2: (5 g TP + 5 g BCP)/kg ration and T3: (7.5 g TP + 7.5 g BCP)/kg ration. Each treatment was repeated 3 times, using 8 native chickens. The variables measured were blood parameters including Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, total red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), blood cholesterol and triglycerides; and also, the performance variables of feed consumption, egg production (HDA), body weight at 34 weeks, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion, yolk weight, shell weight, shell thickness, yolk color index, cholesterol, LDL and HDL of yolks. The Data were collected for 16 weeks and analyzed by variance analysis. The results showed that supplementation with a mixture of TP and BCP increased feed consumption; HDA; body weight; egg mass; shell weight, thickness, and yolk color (P&lt;0.05). Egg weight and yolk weight were not significantly different. TP + BCP supplementation significantly reduced feed conversion, cholesterol level, HDL, and LDL. Increased TBCP supplementation increased Hb, hematocrit, red blood cells and white blood cells and significantly decreased cholesterol, lipoproteins, and triglycerides in the blood (P&lt;0.05). It was concluded that TBCP mixture supplementation could improve production performance, some of blood parameters, and quality of native chicken eggs.

Integration of host-pathogen functional genomics data into the chromosome-level genome assembly of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

Disease resilience is of utmost relevance for turbot aquaculture. Several infective diseases, covering a broad spectrum from viruses, bacteria to different parasites, have been identified by industry. Since they increase mortality rates, reduce feed conversion ratios and slow down growth rate, genetic breeding programs for increasing disease resilience are recognized as a useful alternative for controlling pathologies. For this, knowledge of the genetic basis underlying resilience using genomic tools is essential to develop the best effective breeding strategies. In the present study, we compiled the existing genomic information generated in the last decade to construct an integrated atlas of candidate genes and genomic regions involved in pathogen resistance against the main turbot industrial pathogens (Aeromonas salmonicida, Philasterides dicentrarchi, Enteromyxum scophthalmi and the VHS virus) within the chromosome-level turbot genome assembly recently released. Information comprehends reannotated differentially expressed genes (DEG) in different tissues along temporal series, QTL markers associated with important productive traits (disease resistance and growth) and signatures of domestic or wild selection, represented by runs of homozygosity (ROHi) islands and outlier markers for divergent selection. Most genetic features were successfully relocated in the turbot assembly including 81.1% of the total DEGs, plus all QTL markers, ROHi and outlier markers. The updated annotation of DEGs for resistance to each pathology demonstrated significant changes. While the new annotation of 53–83% of the DEGs was coherent with the original, roughly 10–24% showed imprecise annotations in both assembly versions, ∼5% lost their original annotation and 2–24% were now annotated. Functional enrichment revealed mostly functions related to immune response, such as chemotaxis, apoptosis regulation, leukocyte differentiation, cell adhesion, iron homeostasis and vascular permeability. Some DEGs, such as celsr1a (cadherin EGF LAG seen-pass G-type receptor 1), fgg (fibrinogen gamma chain) and c1qtnf9 (C1q and TNF related 9) were found near pathogen-associated QTL markers. Also, some shared DEGs for resistance to all pathogens were positioned near QTL markers or ROHi, such as hamp (hepcidin-1), plg (plasminogen) and a fibrinogen alpha chain-like gene. Overall, our results provide an integrative insight into the genetic architecture of turbot response to a range of pathogens that could prove useful for future genomic studies to benefit aquaculture breeding programs.

Protease or Clostridium butyricum addition to a low-protein diet improves broiler growth performance

Low-protein (LP) feeds are used in the poultry industry to combat the increasing consumption of protein resources and reduce environmental pollution caused by excessive nitrogen excretion. Dietary supplementation of protease or Clostridium butyricum increases the growth performance of broilers; however, it is unclear whether they counteract the negative effects of LP diets. The effects of protease and C. butyricum on growth performance, intestinal morphology, anti-oxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory response, and microbial community of broilers have not been studied extensively. Here, 450 healthy 1-day-old Cobb500 broilers were allocated to five groups, according to different diets: basal diet (Control); LP diet (LP; 2% less crude protein than the control); LP diet + 200g/t HuPro protease (LPH); LP diet + 1.0 × 109CFU/t C. butyricum (LPC); and basal diet + 200g/t oxytetracycline (Antibiotic). Supplementing both C. butyricum and protease improved the growth performance of broilers. The supplementation of HuPro protease under low-protein conditions could achieve a breeding effect similar to that of the positive control (Antibiotic). Supplementing C. butyricum could maintain intestinal barrier function, alleviate the inflammatory response, and increase ileal and cecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations. Both C. butyricum and protease altered the bacterial diversity in the cecum, increased Bacteroidetes abundance, and resulted in higher abundance of Rikenellaceae RC9 gut spp. and lower abundance of Alistipes spp. in broilers. This study demonstrates the positive effects of proteases and C. butyricum on broilers and serves as a reference for the selection of appropriate supplementation for broilers in the poultry industry. KEY POINTS: • Low-protein diet had a negative effect on growth performance of broilers. • Protease significantly reduced feed conversion rate. • Clostridium butyricum had positive effects on broilers.

Dandelion extract on growth performance, immunity, stress and infection resistance in common carp

In the present study, the effect of supplementation with dandelion extract (DE) in common carp feed. Seven levels of DE supplementation to the basal diet were evaluated, i.e., 0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 2 %, 4 %, 7 %, and 10 % (50 % polysaccharide content), for a feeding period of 56 days. The addition of DE to the diet increased weight gain rate, specific growth rate,and protein efficiency ratio of common carp in DE2, DE3, DE4, DE5 and DE6 group. In contrast, it significantly reduced feed conversion ratio. Interestingly, DE supplementation did not have a significant effect on survival rate, condition factor, viscerosomatic index, and hepatosomatic index (P > 0.05). Moreover, DE supplementation improved the content of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) hormones in common carp serum, which was correlated with upregulation of genes coding for these two hormones in hepatopancreas (P < 0.05). Furthermore, DE supplementation increased the contents of total protein, albumin, and globulin in common carp, whilst reduced the contents of cholesterol, triglyceride, and urea nitrogen. Supplementation with DE promoted an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a decrease in low density lipoprotein cholesterol contents. DE supplementation increased the activities of alysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity, and the levels of complement 3 and complement 4. Furthermore, the activities of AST and ALT, and the contents of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species were reduced. In bacterial challenge tests with Aeromonas hydrophila, the mortality rate of common carp receiving supplementation with DE was lower. Collectively, DE supplementation improve growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, gene expression, and the ability to withstand A. hydrophila infection in common carp. The recommended dosage of DE supplementation for the common carp diet is within the range of 5.42 %.

The replacement of bacitracin methylene disalicylate with Bacillus subtilis PB6 in the diet of male Cherry Valley Ducks reduces the feed conversion ratio by improving intestinal health and modulating gut microbiota

In this study, we compared the impacts of Bacillus subtilis PB6 (BS) and bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, expression of tight connection protein, and cecal microbiota community of male ducks through a 42-d trial. Three-hundred and sixty male Cherry Valley meat-type ducklings (1-day-old) were distributed into 3 groups of 6 replicates: CON group (control, basal diet), BMD group (basal diet + 45 mg/kg BMD, active ingredient dose in the feed), and BS group (basal diet + 2 × 107 CFU/kg BS in the feed). Results showed that supplementing the diet with BS reduced the average daily feed intake (ADFI) during d 15 to 42 and d 1 to 42 compared with the CON group (P = 0.032). It also reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) during d 15 to 42 and d 1 to 42 (P < 0.05) relative to the other groups. The ileal villus height (VH) and villus height /crypt depth ratio (V/C) were increased (P < 0.05) in both the BS and BMD groups, and the jejunal VH and V/C ratio were increased in the BS group (P < 0.05). Relative to the CON, BS supplementation was associated with numerical augmentation of goblet cells in the jejunal mucosa and upregulation of jejunal zonula occludens (ZO-1) and ileal mucin2 (P < 0.05) mRNA levels. Analysis showed a negative correlation between FCR (d 0–42) and VH, V/C, and the number of goblet cells in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Additionally, BMD or BS supplementation altered the alpha diversity of colonic microbiota (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that Butyricimonas, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Tannerellaceae were positively associated with the acetic acid and butyrate concentrations (P < 0.05). Taken together, the supplementation of BS in the diet of male ducks was conducive to reducing FCR by meliorating intestinal morphology, upregulating ZO-1 and mucin2 mRNA levels, regulating the abundance of microbiota, and metabolites, and having a greater effect than BMD supplementation.

Administration of some probiotic strains in the rearing water enhances the water quality, performance, body chemical analysis, antioxidant and immune responses of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

The performance, efficiency of consumed feed, body chemical composition, survival rate, antioxidant and immunity parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in probiotic-treated water were studied. Two hundred apparently healthy Nile tilapia (20 ± 0.3 g) juveniles were reared for 70 days in five different treatments, with five replications as the control group (clean water) and four test groups with two probiotics strains (Bacillus toyonensis and Geobacillus stearothermophilus) at two different levels (1 or 2 × 105 CFU ml−1) applied in rearing water. Fish reared in water supplemented with G. stearothermophilus at low level demonstrated significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) growth performances in terms of final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), daily weight gain (DWG), specific growth rate (SGR), and relative growth rate (RGR) compared to the control group. In the same context, supplied fish rearing water a lower amount of G. stearothermophilus (GS1) remarkedly reduced feed conversion ratio values when compared to the control group. In contrary, all other feed efficiency parameters increased significantly when G. stearothermophilus (GS1) water was added at low amount in the compartment with the untreated group. Moreover, probiotic water additives significantly reduced the range and median levels of unionized ammonia (NH3) in water when compared to the untreated group. According to the findings of the body chemical composition, treated tilapia water with a high level of B. toyonensis had significantly higher crude protein and fat levels, as well as lower ash levels, than the control group. When compared to the control group, probiotic-water supplementation significantly improved oxidative status and immunological activity at all bacterial dosage levels, with the fish group enriched with a high level of G. stearothermophilus recording the maximum values of both antioxidant and immune activity. Finally, results reveal that water treated with B. toyonensis or G. stearothermophilus as a probiotic promoted Nile tilapia growth and health status, and this technology may be applied to stimulate tilapia productivity in culture farms.