Reduced Feed Conversion Ratio Research Articles

Nutrient utilisation and growth performance of broiler chickens fed standard or moderately reduced dietary protein diets with and without β-mannanase supplementation

Use of reduced protein diets in broiler chicken production provides potential benefits for performance and environmental footprint of production. The effectiveness of β-mannanase supplementation in wheat and soy based standard protein (SP) and reduced protein (RP) diets was tested for growth performance, nutrient utilisation and selected intestinal gene expression of broiler chickens. In a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments, two main factors included dietary protein (standard and reduced protein) and β-mannanase supplementation (with or without). All diets contained phytase and carbohydrases (xylanase and glucanase). A total of 480 Ross 308 male off-sex day-old chickens were assigned to the four experimental diets in a 35-d study. Each diet was replicated 12 times with 10 birds per replicate. Using an additional 160 birds, separate apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nutrient digestibility assays were undertaken for the 4 experimental diets from d 21 to 24 of age. Selected gene involved in gut integrity, inflammation and immune response were quantified using quantitative PCR assays. There was no interaction between β-mannanase and dietary protein for any of the studied parameters except ileal viscosity. Enzyme had no effect on feed intake but tended to increase body weight gain (BWG) from d 0 to 35 of age (P=0.079). Birds fed RP diet consumed more feed when assessed from d 0 to 35 of age (P=0.029). At the same time, β-mannanase tended to reduce feed conversion ratio independent of dietary protein (P=0.069). β-mannanase reduced ileal viscosity of the birds fed RP diet (P<0.001). Reducing dietary protein increased nitrogen retention, nitrogen digestibility coefficient and digestibility coefficients of 11 amino acids (P<0.001). β-mannanase significantly improved digestibility coefficients of nitrogen and Arg, Gly, Thr, Lys, and Ile (P<0.05). Dietary treatments had no effect on AME or gene expression of selected tight junction proteins, interleukin-10, interleukin-1β, mucin-2 and nuclear factor-kappa B. In conclusion, supplementation of β-mannanase tended to improve feed efficiency and increased nutrient digestibility of broilers fed wheat-based diets independent of a moderate reduction in dietary protein. Complementary mode of actions of β-mannanase for intestinal health requires further investigation.

Proteomics and Its Combined Analysis with Transcriptomics: Liver Fat-Lowering Effect of Taurine in High-Fat Fed Grouper (Epinephelus coioides).

In order to understand the intervention effect of taurine on liver fat deposition induced by high fat intake in the orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides), we performed proteomic analysis and association analysis with previously obtained transcriptomic data. Three isoproteic (47% crude protein) diets were designed to contain two levels of fat and were named as the 10% fat diet (10F), 15% fat diet (15F), and 15% fat with 1% taurine (15FT). The 10F diet was used as the control diet. After 8 weeks of feeding, the 15F diet exhibited comparable weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and hepatosomatic index as the 10F diet, but the former increased liver fat content vs. the latter. Feeding with the 15FT diet resulted in an improvement in weight gain and a reduction in feed conversion ratio, hepatosomatic index, and liver fat content compared with feeding the 15F diet. When comparing liver proteomic data between the 15F and 15FT groups, a total of 133 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, of which 51 were upregulated DEPs and 82 were downregulated DEPs. Among these DEPs, cholesterol 27-hydroxylase, phosphatidate phosphatase LPIN, phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C, and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase were further screened out and were involved in primary bile acid biosynthesis, glycerolipid metabolism, the phosphatidylinositol signaling system, and the AMPK signaling pathway as key DEPs in terms of alleviating liver fat deposition of taurine in high-fat fed fish. With the association analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data through KEGG, three differentially expressed genes (atp1a, arf1_2, and plcd) and four DEPs (CYP27α1, LPIN, PLCD, and PTK2B) were co-enriched into five pathways related to fat metabolism including primary bile acid synthesis, bile secretion, glycerolipid metabolism, phospholipid D signaling, or/and phosphatidylinositol signaling. The results showed that dietary taurine intervention could trigger activation of bile acid biosynthesis and inhibition of triglyceride biosynthesis, thereby mediating the liver fat-lowering effects in high-fat fed orange-spotted grouper. The present study contributes some novel insight into the liver fat-lowering effects of dietary taurine in high-fat fed groupers.

Dietary biochar effect on growth performance, proximate composition, and physiological response of Penaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) cultured in inland saline groundwater

Transforming raw materials (biomass feedstock) into biochar finds diverse applications across various industries owing to the distinctive characteristics of biochar. This study used biochar as a feed additive for shrimp feeding. A 90-day feeding trial was conducted to assess the impacts of different biochars on growth parameters, haematological parameters, and digestive enzymes of Penaeus vannamei reared in inland saline groundwater of 10 ppt salinity. The finely ground biochar (0.5 mm) prepared from different sources was mixed with the commercially available shrimp feed (35 % crude protein, 5 % crude fat, and 4 % crude fibre), viz., T1, paddy straw biochar (PSB); T2, sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB); T3, banana peduncle biochar (BPB); and the control group (C) without any biochar. Twenty shrimp (10.24 ± 0.01 g) were stocked in each triplicate. Banana peduncle biochar incorporated diet (T3) demonstrated superior performance as it significantly (p<0.05) improved the weight gain (24.51±0.12 g), specific growth rate (1.39±0.00 % day−1), protein efficiency ratio (1.73±0.02 %), and reduced feed conversion ratio (1.60±0.01). The total serum protein in the haemolymph of the shrimps for all the dietary biochar treatments differed significantly (p<0.05) from the control. The T1, T2, and T3 groups showed the highest whole-body crude protein content; contrary to this, the lowest amount of whole-body crude protein was observed in the control. In addition, the dietary biochar significantly influenced the digestive enzymatic activity of shrimp. The hepatopancreatic AST and ALT activities of different biochar-fed groups were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the C group. On the other hand, dietary biochar treatments did not significantly (p > 0.05) influence the SOD of the gill, muscle, and catalase activity of the hepatopancreas, gill, and muscle in shrimp. Overall, the three different dietary biochar supplementations in the diet of Penaeus vannamei seem to be an effective way to culture it intensively, in addition to significantly reducing various stress responses.

Effects of probiotic supplementary bioflocs (Rhodospirillum rubrum, Bacillus subtilis, Providencia rettgeri) on growth, immunity, and water quality in cultures of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Biofloc technology is a promising strategy for the super-intensive cultivation of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). However, conventional bioflocs originating from pre-existing systems have shown to be inferior to bioflocs with constant probiotic supplementation regarding the stability in yield. Hence we compared bioflocs supplemented with Rhodospirillum rubrum (RR), Bacillus subtilis (BS), and Providencia rettgeri (PR) to the clear water system (CT), in terms of growth performances, immune status, nitrogen substances, and Vibrio populations in cultures of L. vannamei together with microbial profiles in both the midgut and bioflocs. Our findings exhibited increased average daily gain (ADG) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) among shrimp reared in BS and PR while BS also reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR). Gene expression analyses of growth-related markers revealed an upregulation of amylase and peptide transporter 1 in shrimp of PR treatment, whilst the changes did not outperform the BS supplement in growth promotion. Furthermore, PR treatment was found to enhance the expression of immune-related genes toll-like receptor, prophenoloxidase (proPO), and heat shock protein 70 (hsp70). All biofloc treatments effectively reduced NO2-N level and mitigated Vibrio parahaemolyticus proliferation, particularly in the BS and PR groups. The redundant analysis illustrated shrimp growth closely associated with improved water quality instead of the expression of genes participating in digestion, absorption, or immunity. Moreover, microflora sequencing exhibited the supplemental probiotics altered microbial communities in bioflocs and gut, whereas they did not dominate in either environment. In spite of the discrepancies in microbial composition between bioflocs and midgut of shrimp, BS and PR treatments enriched Rhodobacteraceae populations in both environments. In summary, B. subtilis and P. rettgeri supplementary bioflocs promote L. vannamei growth through nutritional supplementation and water environment optimization. Supplementation of P. rettgeri will simultaneously enhance immune responses and stress resistance of L. vannamei via activating proPO cascade and upregulating hsp70. Given the apparent benefits of heterotrophic probiotic supplementary bioflocs, it is imperative to investigate more microbial species or their combinations that can stimulate bioflocs to produce more nutrients.

Liver transcriptome and physiological analyses preliminarily revealed the adaptation mechanisms of Amur grayling (Thymallus arcticus grubei, Dybowski, 1869) fry for dietary lipid nutrition.

The Amur grayling (Thymallus arcticus grubei Dybowski, 1869), a species of potentially economic and research value, is renowned for its tender meat, exquisite flavor, and high nutritional contents. This study was conducted to investigate the physiological adaptation mechanisms to dietary lipids in Amur grayling fry (with average initial weight 4.64±0.03 g). This study involved a 56-day feeding trial with diets containing varying lipid levels (9.07%, 12.17%, 15.26%, 18.09%, 21.16%, and 24.07%, designated as GL1 through GL6, respectively) to explore the impact of dietary lipids on growth performance, intestinal digestion, liver antioxidative function, and transcriptomic profiles. Results showed that The group receiving 18% dietary lipid exhibited a markedly higher weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate compared to other groups, alongside a reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR), except in comparison to the 15% lipid group. Activities of lipase in pancreatic secretion and amylase in stomach mucosa peaked in the 18% lipid treatment group, indicating enhanced digestive efficiency. The liver of fish in this group also showed increased activities of antioxidative enzymes and higher levels of glutathione and total antioxidative capacity, along with reduced malondialdehyde content compared to the 9% and 24% lipid treatments. Additionally, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were highest in the 18% group. Transcriptomic analysis revealed four significant metabolic pathways affected: Cholesterol metabolism, Fat digestion and absorption, PPAR signaling, and Fatty acid degradation, involving key genes such as Lipase, Lipoprotein lipase, Fatty acid-binding protein, and Carnitine palmitoyltransferase I. These findings suggest that the liver of Amur grayling employs adaptive mechanisms to manage excessive dietary lipids. Quadratic regression analysis determined the optimal dietary lipid levels to be 16.62% and 16.52%, based on WGR and FCR, respectively. The optimal dietary lipid level for juvenile Amur grayling appears to be around 18%, as evidenced by improved growth performance, digestive function, balanced serum lipid profile, and enhanced liver antioxidative capacity. Exceeding this lipid threshold triggers both adaptive and potentially detrimental liver responses.

Effect of dietary Lagnaria breviflora leaves extract on the growth performance, haematological, antioxidativeand immune responses of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles.

The effects of dietary Lagnaria breviflora leaves extract (LBLE) on the growth performance, feed utilisationand haematological parameters of juveniles African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (mean = 8.45 ± 0.6 g) raised in a flow water (mean temperature 26.7°C, mean pH 7.52, mean dissolved oxygen 6.05 mg/L) were assessed in this study. Diets (400 g/kg crude protein; 4631.5 kcal/kg gross energy) supplemented with LBLE at levels of 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5or 2.0 g/kg diet were served to fish in triplicates (each replicate has 20 fish) until they appeared satiated for 12 weeks. Then, they were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila infection for further 2weeks. Fish served dietary LBLE had considerable higher weight gain (64.76 g) and specific growth rate (765.5% g/day) than the fish group fed with the control diet with a reduced feed conversion ratio (1.45) (p < 0.05). Compared to fish fed with the control diet, the villi height (146.30 µm) and width (284.35 µm) of the intestines increased greatly in a dose (LBLE in diets) dependent order. Similarly, dietary LBLE increased (p < 0.05) the packed cell volume (46.11%) and haemoglobin (17.03 g/dL), whereas 1.5 g of LBLE increased the counts of white blood cells. Glutathione S-transferase (769.43 U/mg protein), glutathione peroxidase (84.14 U/mg protein)and superoxide dismutase (433.15 U/mg protein) activities were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in fish fed with diets supplemented with LBLE compared to the control one. Additionally, dietary LBLE increased phagocytic and lysozyme activities and protected C. gariepinus against bacterial infections where the lowest death was observed in the fish fed on the diet containing 1.5 g LBLE/kg feed. These findings showed that the fish fed with LBLE/kg diet improved their immune system, antioxidantand growth performance in addition to providing protection from A. hydrophila infection with the optimum dose of 1.80 g/kg diet.

Dietary calcifediol reduces mesenteric adiposity to the benefit of carcass growth independently of circulating vitamin D hormone in juvenile Atlantic salmon

Dietary vitamin D is required by cultivated fish for optimal growth, feed utilisation and bone health. The in vivo conversion of cholecalciferol (D3) to active vitamin D hormone (1,25-OH-D3) may be impaired in farm-raised fish fed modern feed formulations. Requiring fewer metabolic steps for its conversion, the use of dietary calcifediol (25-OH-D3) may mitigate against deficits in vitamin D metabolism.A 90-day experimental feeding trial was undertaken in juvenile (23 g) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to test the efficacy of 25-OH-D3 added to a standard diet containing recommended levels of D3 (5640 IU). Test diets contained 100, 200 or 400 μg/kg added 25-OH-D3 against a no additive control diet. Effects on zootechnical performance, indices of adiposity, bone mineralisation, and circulating vitamin D metabolites were tested.Dietary 25-OH-D3 significantly reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) and resulted in numerical increases in growth performance. 25-OH-D3 also significantly reduced mesenteric adiposity with concurrent increases in carcass weight. Levels of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc and manganese were not modulated in the vertebrae of fish receiving 25-OH-D3. Circulating 25-OH-D3 remained below detection limits and 1,25-OH-D3 was not significantly modulated by the dietary manipulations.The significant reduction of mesenteric adiposity to the benefit of carcass weight shows that dietary 25-OH-D3 improves the utilisation of lipids. The vitamin D requirement for bone mineralisation was met by the basal diet. Segmented regression estimates a dietary 25-OH-D3 supplementation of 143 to 180 μg/kg for improved feed conversion and reduced mesenteric adiposity. The lack of correlation between circulating vitamin D hormone and mesenteric adiposity indicates that lipid metabolism is regulated by localised tissue activation of vitamin D, rather than the endocrine functions of circulating 1,25-OH-D3.

Dietary creatine promotes creatine reserves, protein deposition, and myofiber hyperplasia in muscle of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Creatine can increase muscle mass, enhance performance, prevent disease-induced muscle atrophy, and improve overall cellular energy. This study investigated the effects of creatine as a feed additive on muscle growth and intrinsic molecular regulation mechanism in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Seven diets supplemented with different concentrations of creatine (0%, 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4%) were fed to juvenile largemouth bass (4.5–5.1 g) for eight weeks. Dietary creatine significantly increased body weight and body length, and reduced feed conversion ratio. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that dietary creatine addition notably increased creatine and phosphocreatine levels by 19.94% and 16.54% in the muscle of largemouth bass, respectively. Histological observation showed that dietary creatine significantly increased the total muscle fiber number and decreased the mean muscle fiber diameter. The Western blot results indicated that creatine ingestion significantly increased the protein level of MyoD1 in the muscle and promoted muscle fiber hyperplasia. In addition, dietary creatine also contributed to mTOR-S6K/4EBP1-mediated protein synthesis by maintaining AMPKα Thr172 dephosphorylation and AKT Thr308 phosphorylation. Moreover, the protein levels of the muscle-specific E3 ligases Atrogin1 and Murf1 responsible for ubiquitination degradation exhibited no significant change after feeding with creatine in largemouth bass. Overall, our data showed that creatine as a feed additive increased creatine and phosphocreatine contents, thus promoting muscle protein deposition and myofiber hyperplasia, eventually elevating growth performance and feed utilization efficiency in juvenile largemouth bass. The regression analysis of weight gain rate, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio determined 0.46%–0.54% creatine concentration range as optimal supplementation concentration for the culture of juvenile largemouth bass.

Effects of Apple Polyphenols and Taurine on Growth Performance, Tissue Morphology, and Lipid and Glucose Metabolism in Rice Field Eel (Monopterus albus) Fed High Oxidized Fish Oil

The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of apple polyphenols (AP) and taurine (TA) on the growth performance, tissue morphology, and lipid and glucose metabolism in rice field eel fed diets with high oxidized fish oil (OFO). A 10-week feeding experiment was conducted using juveniles (initial body weight 16.66 ± 0.02 g) fed five different diets. Three diets were formulated with various levels of OFO at 9.5, 600, and 800 meq·kg−1 and named as Control, POV600, and POV800 diet, respectively. The other two diets were POV600 and POV800 supplemented with 0.5% AP and 0.2% TA, respectively. Compared to the Control group, only the eels fed POV800 exhibited an increase in weight gain and specific growth rate along with a reduction in feed conversion ratio. AP and TA did not affect growth performance; juveniles fed AP, however, showed a decrease in liver weight. Both POV600 and POV800 decreased nuclei number and increased vacuoles size in the liver. POV800 damaged the intestinal structure integrity and reduced goblet cells number. AP repaired the liver damage on nuclei number and vacuoles size in fish fed with POV600 diet, while TA mitigated intestinal histopathological damage on intact structure and goblet cells number. The mRNA expression level of liver ampkα in fish fed AP was upregulated, while dietary TA upregulated the mRNA expression levels of liver ampkα and accα. In the muscle, POV600 downregulated mRNA expression levels of accα, cpt1, and lipin, whereas POV800 upregulated mRNA expression levels of accα, pparα, and lipin. Dietary AP and TA could counteract the effects of POV600 and POV800 diet on muscle lipid metabolism. Both POV600 and POV800 diets upregulated mRNA expression levels of liver pck1 and gsk3α. AP and TA both downregulated mRNA expression level of liver pck1, while only TA downregulated the expression of liver gsk3α. AP increased the mRNA expression level of gsk3α in muscle. In summary, inclusion of AP and TA did not affect growth performance but showed a potential to alleviate liver or intestinal damages induced by a high OFO diet. Dietary AP and TA were also found to regulate mRNA expression of genes related to lipid and glucose metabolism.

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.

Evaluation of Aspergillus meal prebiotic in productive parameters, bone mineralization and intestinal integrity in broiler chickens

This study investigates the effects of Aspergillus meal prebiotic on a spectrum of parameters, including productive performance, bone mineralization, and intestinal integrity, in broiler chickens. Day-of-hatch Cobb 500 by-product male chicks (320 total) were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (G1 and G2) in floor pens (150×300 cm), each pen containing separate feeders and watering systems (8 replicates per treatment, 20 birds/pen). Chickens kept in G1 (control) were fed a basal diet, while those of G2 (treated) were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.2% PRI-A-FERM. Performance parameters, including body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), were evaluated weekly from the 7th day to the end of the trial at 42 d. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-d) was administered via oral gavage to 3 chickens/replicate (n = 24), and blood was collected on 21d and on 42d to determine serum concentration of FITC-d as a biomarker to evaluate intestinal permeability and peptide YY as an indirect biomarker to evaluate short chain fatty acids. Chickens that received the \textit{Aspergillus} meal prebiotic showed a significant increase in BW, BWG, and FI on days 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 (P&lt;0.05) and a significant reduction in FCR on days 28, 35, and 42 of evaluation compared to control. Moreover, chickens that were supplemented with the Aspergillus meal prebiotic showed a significant reduction in serum concentrations of FITC-d on both days of evaluation, as well as a significant increase in serum concentration of peptide YY. Additionally, treated animals significantly increased bone strength, total bone ash, and calcium and phosphorous content at both evaluation times compared to the control. In summary, the results of this study suggest that Aspergillus meal prebiotic supplementation can positively influence productive parameters, bone mineralization, and intestinal integrity in broiler chickens. The observed improvements underscore the importance of gut health in overall poultry performance. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the benefits of prebiotics (0.2%, PRI-A-FERM) in animal nutrition and highlight the potential for their practical application in enhancing poultry production systems. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize prebiotic utilization for improved broiler health and productivity

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.

Impact of selection for growth and stocking density on Nile tilapia production in the biofloc system

Environmentally friendly aquaculture systems such as the biofloc technology (BFT) are gaining prominence, as well as the use of genetically superior fish and better adapted strains. However, sustainable systems must be economically efficient as well. According to literature, Nile tilapia takes a longer time to reach commercial weight in BFT if compared to traditional systems, reducing profitability. A better adapted strain, with faster growth, feed efficiency and tolerance to the intensive conditions of the BFT, should be an alternative to improve the profitability of the system. This study evaluated the economic and growth performance of Nile tilapia populations from two distinct generations, the base generation (G0) and generation 5 (G5), from a genetic improvement program based on genetic selection for body weight in BFT and recirculating aquaculture system, under two different stocking densities (12.5 and 37.5 ind. ‧ m−3) in BFT. A total of 320 male fingerlings (160 from G0 and 160 from G5) were randomly distributed in a factorial arrangement (2 × 2, four treatments) with four replicates (800 L tanks) for each treatment (16 sample units in total). The means were compared using two-way ANOVA and SNK's test (p < .05) and the confidence interval (95%) of the differences between them. The water management measures were enough to keep the water indicators within the acceptable ranges for tilapias. Survival rate was high (> 90%) for all treatments. The daily weight gain (DWG) was greater for G5 compared to G0 and resulted in a reduction of >57 days in slaughter time (750 g of harvested weight) for G5 compared to G0 and a 0.22 reduction in feed conversion ratio. The G5 promoted an average reduction of US$ 246.38 ‧ 100 m−3 for total operating cost and added US$ 275.97 ‧ 100 m−3 in operating profit compared to G0. Considering the economic analysis in relation to one ton of tilapia produced, G5 reduced the total operating cost and increased the operating profit only in the lowest stocking density. The increase in stocking density reduced the DWG for both generational groups, resulting in an increase of average time to slaughter of 43.61 days, however, 37.5 tilapia ‧ m−3 promoted a larger operating profit per 100 m−3 (+ US$ 832.60) and per ton of tilapia produced (+ US$ 338.90 for G0 and + US$ 148.39 for G5). This study demonstrates the importance of using genetically improved tilapia together with an adequate stocking density management to achieve better productivity and to make economically more viable an environmentally friendly system.

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.

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.