Supplementation Improved Growth Performance Research Articles

Effects of Dietary Proanthocyanidins Supplementation on Growth Performance, Digestive Enzymes Activities and Microbiota in the Intestine of Juvenile American Eels (Anguilla rostrata) Cultured in Cement Tanks

This trial was conducted to investigate the effects of proanthocyanidins (PACs) on the growth performance, digestive enzymes activities and microbiota in the intestines of juvenile American eels (Anguilla rostrata) cultured in cement tanks. Six cement tanks stocked with similar fish size and weight (about 120 g/fish and 2116 kg/tank) were randomly divided into a control group fed with a commercial diet and a PACs group fed with a commercial diet supplemented 400 mg/kg PACs, with three replicates in each group. The trial period lasted 60 days. The finial fish weight and weight gain rate were significantly improved by PACs supplementation (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in feed efficiency and feeding rate between the control group and PACs group (P>0.05). Activities of protease in intestines were significantly enhanced by PACs supplementation (P<0.05), however dietary PACs supplementation had no significant effect on the activities of amylase and lipase (P>0.05). Furthermore, dietary PACs supplementation increased the richness and decrease the diversity of intestinal microbiota. At the phylum level, the higher relative abundance of Proteobacteria and the lower relative abundances of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were found in PACs group compared to control group. At the genus level, PACs supplemented in diet significantly increased the relative abundances of Candidatus Arthromitus, Paracoccus and Eubacterium hallii (P>0.05). In conclusion, dietary 400 mg/kg PACs supplementation improved growth performance and activity of protease in intestine, and modulate intestinal microbiota of juvenile American eel cultured in cement tanks.

Growth phase and dietary α-amylase supplementation effects on nutrient digestibility and feedback enzyme secretion in broiler chickens

Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal health, and endogenous enzyme secretion responses to dietary α-amylase supplementation during 4 growth phases of broiler chickens fed corn–soybean meal–based diets were evaluated in the present study. A total of 1,136 male broiler chicks were assigned at day 0 after hatching to 8 treatments in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. There were 2 dietary levels of α-amylase supplementation of 0 or 80 kilo-Novo alpha amylase units per kg diet and 4 posthatching growth phases of day 0 to 11, day 11 to 21, day 21 to 42, or day 42 to 56 in a randomized complete block design. Each treatment comprised 8 replicate pens, with either 25 (day 0–11), 20 (day 11–21), 16 (day 21–42), or 10 (day 42–56) birds per pen. Body weight gain and feed efficiency of birds improved (P < 0.01) with α-amylase supplementation. There were main effects of α-amylase, growth phase, and interaction (P < 0.01) on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of starch. This ranged from 0.8% during day 11 to 21 to 2.8% during day 0 to 11 after hatching. The total tract retention of starch increased (P < 0.05) with amylase supplementation but was not different across growth phases. Amylase supplementation increased (P < 0.05) AID of gross energy, AME (kcal/kg), and AMEn (kcal/kg). Villus height in the jejunal tissue was increased (P < 0.01) by α-amylase supplementation. During day 11 to 21 after hatching, the viscosity of jejunal digesta and pancreatic amylase activity increased (P < 0.01) with amylase supplementation. In conclusion, dietary amylase supplementation improved growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, and digestive enzyme activity of broiler chickens fed a corn–soybean diet. The study indicates that the growth phase of birds may affect response to exogenous amylase.

Effect on health status and pathogen resistance of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fed with diets supplemented with Gracilaria gracilis

Aquaculture intensification turns the reared populations prone to disease outbreaks, leading the industry to use antibiotics and chemotherapeutics. As the industry is searching for solutions, the development of sustainable aquafeeds with immunostimulant properties is emerging. This work aimed to assess the health benefits of Gracilaria gracilis as a supplement in Sparus aurata feed as well as its protective effect in a bacterial challenge. G. gracilis supplementation improved growth performance and influenced the haematological profile, namely in the constitution of the leukocytic population and erythrocytes size. Algae powder supplementation did not compromise the hepatic antioxidant systems and intestinal health and morphology were not affected by the algal supplementations. Algal extract improved lysozyme plasmatic concentration and a 5% algae powder inclusion was able to successfully protect the fish against a Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida infection, granting a 95% survival. In general, a 5% G. gracilis powder diet supplementation was able to improve growth, health, and bacterial resistance in gilthead seabream.

Nano spirulina dietary supplementation augments growth, antioxidative and immunological reactions, digestion, and protection of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, against Aeromonas veronii and some physical stressors.

The current study evaluated the effects of nano delivery of Spirulina platensis on growth performance, digestive enzymes, and biochemical, immunological, and antioxidative status, as well as resistance to Aeromonas veronii and some physical stressor challenges in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Three experimental fish groups (n = 270) with mean weights of 26 ± 0.30 g and mean lengths of 10 ± 0.5 cm were used; the first additive-free basal diet served as the control group, whereas the following two groups were supplemented with spirulina nanoparticles (SPNP) at 0 (control), 0.25, and 0.5%/kg diet for 4 weeks. Following the feeding trial, fish were challenged with hypoxia, cold stresses, and pathogenic bacteria (A. veronii) infection (9 × 108 CFU/ml). SPNP supplementation, especially 0.5%, (p < 0.05) significantly increased growth performance (specific growth rate % day-1, feed conversion ratio, and length gain rate %), immunological (plasma lysozyme and liver nitrous oxide) antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in liver), biochemical (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, glucose, and cortisol concentrations in plasma) assays, and digestive enzymes (lipase and amylase in plasma). The expression of liver's heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and interleukin 1, beta (IL-1β) genes showed a significant upregulation outline of 0.5% SPNP > 0.25% SPNP > 0% SPNP compared with the control. Protection in the incorporated fish groups exposed to A. veronii was 100% compared with the control group, which showed 50% cumulative mortalities. In conclusion, dietary SPNP supplementation improved growth performance, antioxidant activity, immune response, digestive enzymes, related gene expression, and resistance of Nile Tilapia to hypoxia, cold, and A. veronii infection. Thus, SPNP could be used as a natural therapy for controlling those stressors.

Effects of monensin dose from a self-fed mineral supplement on performance of growing beef steers on forage-based diets

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this research was to determine the effect of differential monensin (Rumensin, Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) intake in a free-choice loose mineral on performance of grazing beef steers. Material and Methods Treatments consisted of offering ad libitum access to minerals (AMPT-A, ADM Animal Nutrition, Quincy, IL) supplying 0 (0M), 882 (800M), or 1,764 (1600M) g of monensin/t with targeted daily monensin intakes of 0, 100, or 200 mg of monensin per steer. Steer calves (n = 605, BW = 278 ± 27 kg) were fed hay with a hand-fed supplement (block 1); grazed wheat (Triticum aestivum) pasture (blocks 2, 3, and 6); or bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) pasture (blocks 4 and 5). There were no treatment × diet interactions (P ≥ 0.97); therefore, data were pooled across blocks for statistical analysis. Results and Discussion Steers offered 800M and 1600M had greater (P ≤ 0.02) final BW, ADG, and total BW gain compared with 0M steers fed mineral without monensin. Mineral intake decreased linearly (P Implications and Applications Monensin supplementation improved growth performance compared with an unmedicated control within the doses observed in this experiment and regardless of basal forage quality. Intake of a self-fed monensin-containing mineral can be decreased by at least 50% without affecting performance response to monensin of steers on forage-based diets.

Assessment of Probiotic Properties of Lactobacillus salivarius Isolated From Chickens as Feed Additives.

The continued use of sub-therapeutic antibiotics as feed additives in the poultry industry improved health and growth performance. However, the resulting antibiotic resistance increasingly becomes a major threat to public health. Probiotics are promising alternatives for the antibiotics used in poultry industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the probiotic properties of Lactobacillus salivarius as feed additive in chickens. White leghorn chickens were randomly assigned to experimental groups. Effects of Lactobacillus salivarius supplementation on growth performance, resistance to Escherichia coli O78 challenge and heat-stress, and immune response after vaccinated with attenuated infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) vaccine were determined. The results showed that Lactobacillus salivarius supplementation improved growth performance, such as weight and longer shank length, increased relative weights of the immune organs and decreased concentrations of odor-causing compounds. In addition, Lactobacillus salivarius supplementation alleviated organ injury caused by Escherichia coli O78 challenge and heat stress. Furthermore, Lactobacillus salivarius results in enhanced immune response after IBDV vaccine immunization, enhanced specific antibody and IFN-γ production, and lymphocyte proliferation. Our results revealed a tremendous potential of Lactobacillus salivarius as antibiotics' substitute in poultry production.

Effects of pantothenic acid on growth performance and antioxidant status of growing male white Pekin ducks

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary pantothenic acid levels on growth performance, carcass traits, pantothenic acid status, and antioxidant status of male white Pekin ducks from 15 to 42 D of age and to evaluate the requirement of this vitamin for growing ducks. Different levels pantothenic acid (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mg/kg) were supplemented to a corn-soy isolate protein basal diet to produce 6 dietary treatments with different analyzed total pantothenic acid levels (4.52, 6.44, 8.37, 9.88, 12.32, and 14.61 mg/kg). A total of 240 15-day-old male white Pekin ducks were allotted to 6 dietary treatments with 8 replicate pens of 5 birds per pen. At 42 D of age, growth performance, carcass traits, tissue pantothenic acid concentrations, and antioxidant status of white Pekin ducks were examined. Significant effects of dietary pantothenic acid on BW, average daily weight gain (ADG), plasma, and liver pantothenic acid concentrations were observed (P < 0.05) but not carcass traits. The growing ducks fed the basal diet without pantothenic acid supplementation had the lowest BW, ADG, plasma, and liver pantothenic acid content among all ducks (P < 0.05). In addition, the ducks fed the basal diet without pantothenic acid supplementation showed the lowest antioxidant capacity indicated by greatest plasma malondialdehyde content and lowest liver total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). And, these criteria responded linearly as dietary pantothenic acid levels increased (P < 0.05). These results indicated that dietary pantothenic acid supplementation improved growth performance and antioxidant status of the growing ducks. In accordance with the broken-line model, the pantothenic acid requirements (based on dietary total pantothenic acid) of male white Pekin ducks from 15 to 42 D of age for BW, ADG, and plasma and liver pantothenic acid contents were 10.18, 10.27, 12.06, and 10.79 mg/kg, respectively.

Effects of soybean lecithin supplementation on growth performance, serum metabolites, ruminal fermentation and microbial flora of beef steers

This study was aimed to estimate the effect of soy lecithin (SL) on growth performance, serum metabolites, rumen fermentation and microbial flora in Simmental steers. Sixty Simmental steers were randomly assigned to four treatments: control (C), S1 (TMR with 10 g/kg (DM) SL), S2 (TMR with 20 g/kg (DM) SL) and S3 (TMR with 40 g/kg (DM) SL).The ADG of steers fed 10 g/kg, 20 g/kg and 40 g/kg SL was 8.6%, 22.5% and 9.4% higher than that control group, respectively (P<0.001), while FCR decreased quadratically (P<0.001) by increasing the SL level, and the lowest FCR was achieved for steers fed 20 g/kg SL. There was a linear decrease in the ruminal pH value yet a quadratic increase in acetate and total VFAs concentration by increasing the SL supplementation (P<0.001). The serum concentrations of CHO, TG, HDL, FAS and HLS concentrations showed a linear increase by increasing the SL supplementation (P<0.05). The rumen bacterial community of five phyla (Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Spirochaetae and Actinobacteria) and genera (Prevotella, Bacteroidales_BS11_gut, Prevotellaceae_UGG-033, Rikenellacese_RC and Coprostanoligenes) that were most abundant in the rumen microbial flora was not affected by SL supplementation (P>0.05), while some ruminal bacterial with lower abundance showed a linear decrease by increasing the SL supplementation. Therefore, SL supplementation improved growth performance and increased ruminal VFA yields of Simmental steers with no inhibitory effect on the dominant ruminal bacterial. Based on the results of growth performance, the recommended amount of SL supplement is 20 g/kg DM for beef steers.

Mannan oligosaccharides improved growth performance and antioxidant capacity in the intestine of on-growing grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

This study evaluates the effects of dietary mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) supplementation on growth performance and antioxidant capacity, as well as investigates its related signalling molecule mechanism in the intestine of on-growing grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). A total of 540 on-growing grass carp (215.85 ± 0.30 g) were fed six diets containing graded levels of MOS supplementation (0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg kg−1) for 60 days. Subsequently, a challenge test was conducted by injection of Aeromonas hydrophila for 14 days. The results showed that (1) appropriate dietary MOS supplementation improved growth performance and enhanced disease resistance (2) appropriate dietary MOS supplementation relieved oxidative damage by decreasing the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and oxidative damage biomarker protein carbonyl (PC) and malondialdehyde (MDA). (3) appropriate dietary MOS supplementation enhanced antioxidant capacity by increasing enzyme activities [except manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD)] and corresponding gene expression (except MnSOD). (4) appropriate dietary MOS supplementation positively regulated antioxidant function related to MR/PKCδ/Nrf2/Keap1b (not Keap1a in the DI, not PKCα and PKCε in three intestinal segments) signalling pathway. In conclusion, the present study has demonstrated that dietary MOS supplementation could enhance fish intestine antioxidant capacity. Finally, based on the quadratic regression analysis for the percent weight gain (PWG), against enteritis morbidity, and the MDA, PC and ROS contents (in the DI) of on-growing grass carp, the MOS dosage was estimated to be 428.5, 499.1, 536.2, 561.7 and 550.9 mg kg−1 diet, respectively.

Effects of Microencapsulated Blends of Organics Acids (OA) and Essential Oils (EO) as a Feed Additive for Broiler Chicken. A Focus on Growth Performance, Gut Morphology and Microbiology.

Simple SummaryReplacing antibiotics with natural alternative compounds in poultry feeding is being increased in the last few years to challenge the antibiotic resistance problem. Among natural compounds, organic acids and essential oils could be a favorable option. The goal of the trial was testing the dietary supplementation of a blend of organic acids and essential oils in broiler diets in order to evaluate growth performance and gut healthiness. The blend of organic acids and essential oils improved growth performances at the end of the growing period and favorably affected, to a certain extent, gut morphology at different gut districts. Moreover, a selective microbial control against Clostridium perfringens, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococci and Mesophilic bacteria was found. Additionally, in litter, organic acids and essential oils dietary treatment drove to an overall decrease of Mesophilic bacteria and Enterococci counts. Overall, dietary strategy oriented to a supplementation of a mixture of organic acids and essential oils in broiler diets could offer some favorable perspectives in order to maintain adequate growth performance and gut healthiness either in term of morphology or of microbiology. Nevertheless, improving knowledge on the mechanisms of action of these natural additives together with a potential synergistic action is pivotal to clarify their potential as antibiotic replacers. The goal of the trial was testing the effects of a blend of organic acids and essential oils dietary supplementation on growth performance and gut healthiness in broiler chickens. In total, 420 male Ross 308 chicks (1-day old) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: basal (BD) and organic acids and essential oils (OA&EO) diets (three replicates/treatment; 70 broilers/replicate). BD group received commercial diets whereas OA&EO group basal diets + 5 g/kg of microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils. OA&EO treatment improved the average daily gain (p < 0.01) and feed conversion ratio at 37–47 days compared to BD treatment. OA&EO treatment improved gut morphology mostly at ileum and duodenum levels in terms of villi height, crypt depth, number of villi, mucosa thickness and villi area at 24 and 34 sampling days. A certain selective action against Clostridium perfringens in ileum of OA&EO group was shown at 33 (p = 0.053) and 46 days (p = 0.09) together with lower median values for Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococci, Mesophilic bacteria and Clostridium perfringens at ceca level. Overall, organic acids and essential oils supplementation improved growth performance in the final growth stage and some morphological gut traits and reduced to a certain extent Clostridium perfringens count in ileum.

Dietary encapsulated essential oils and organic acids mixture improves gut health in broiler chickens challenged with necrotic enteritis

BackgroundThe poultry industry is in need of effective antibiotic alternatives to control outbreaks of necrotic enteritis (NE) due to Clostridium perfringens. In the present study, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with a blend of encapsulated essential oils and organic acids (BLJ) on growth performance and gut health using a coinfection model of NE in broiler chickens.MethodsTwo hundred and eighty-eight one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned using a 2 × 2 factorial design into two groups fed either 0 or 500 mg/kg dietary BLJ and co-challenged (or not challenged for the control) with Eimeria spp./C. perfringens.ResultsInfected birds fed the BLJ-supplemented diet exhibited an improved feed conversion ratio throughout the trial (P < 0.01), a higher villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio, and reduced intestinal C. perfringens counts, liver C. perfringens carriage, gut lesion scores and serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-D) concentrations at 7 d post-infection compared with those of birds without BLJ supplementation (P < 0.05). NE-infected birds fed BLJ exhibited significantly upregulated claudin-1 and IGF-2 mRNA levels (P < 0.05), increased A20 mRNA expression and significantly downregulated TRAF-6, TNFSF15 and TOLLIP mRNA levels in the jejunum at 7 d post-infection compared with those in birds without BLJ supplementation (P < 0.05). Compared with the uninfected and untreated birds, the uninfected birds fed BLJ displayed increased relative abundances of Lactobacillus and Coprococcus but reduced Rikenellaceae levels. Compared with the unsupplemented NE-challenged birds, infected birds fed BLJ showed an increased relative abundance of Unclassified_Lachnospiraceae and a significantly decreased relative abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae.ConclusionBLJ supplementation improved growth performance and gut health in NE-infected broiler chickens by strengthening the intestinal barrier function, positively modulating the gut microbiota community and differentially regulating intestinal immune responses. Our results also suggested that adding BLJ effectively controlled NE infections after experimental Eimeria and Clostridium perfringens coinfection.

Dietary supplementation of autolysed yeast enhances growth, liver functionality and intestinal morphology in African catfish

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the potential of dietary supplementation of autolysed brewer's yeast (AY) on African catfish. The catfish (22.5 ± 1.15 g/fish, 20 fish 33 L/tank) were fed with either of diets (390 g/kg crude protein, 140 g/kg lipid) supplemented with 0, 3, 6 or 10 g/kg AY (n = 3). After 49 days of feeding, the final body weight and metabolic growth rate of the catfish fed 3 g/kg AY (3‐AY) diet were higher than those fed the control diet (p .05) in intestinal perimeter ratio. However, an elevated (p < .05) abundance of goblet cells and intraepithelial leucocytes were found in the intestine of catfish fed 3, 6 and 10 g/kg AY diets, with the highest level of abundance recorded in the mid‐intestine of the catfish fed 3‐AY diet. The results suggest that dietary 3 g/kg autolysed brewer's yeast supplementation improves growth performance of African catfish without deleterious effect on liver functionality and gut morphology.

Dietary enzymatically treated Artemisia annua L. supplementation improved growth performance and intestinal antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets

The present study determined the optimal dose of enzymatically treated Artemisia annua L. (EA) and investigated the effect of dietary EA supplementation on the intestinal antioxidant activity of weaned piglets. Firstly, a total of 300 piglets with an average body weight of 5.62 ± 0.36 kg (21 days of age) were randomly allocated to 5 dietary treatments, including CON, EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 groups (basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 g/kg EA, respectively). At 50 days of age, growth performance and the incidence of diarrhea were measured. The results showed that average daily gain was significantly increased (P < 0.05) and the incidence of diarrhea was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in EA3 group compared to CON group. Therefore, we considered 2 g/kg EA as the optimal dose in pig diet in the present study. Then, 12 piglets from CON and EA3 groups (6 piglets per group) were slaughtered at 51 d for further investigation in vivo. Diet supplemented with 2 g/kg EA decreased (P < 0.05) crypt depth, increased (P < 0.05) villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in both jejunum and ileum of piglets. Dietary EA supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), decreased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the serum. EA group had higher (P < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level and T-SOD activity, the abilities to inhibit hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical in both jejunum and ileum than CON group. EA diet increased (P < 0.05) jejunal GPx activity and ileal glutathione concentration, decreased (P < 0.05) ileal MDA concentration. EA group showed lower inducible nitric oxide synthase activities in both jejunum and ileum than CON group. The mRNA expressions of antioxidant related genes (Gpx1 mRNA in the jejunum, and Sod1, Nfe2l2, Hmox1 mRNA in the jejunum and ileum) were increased (P < 0.05) in EA group. The results of protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were consistent with those of gene expressions. In conclusion, EA appeared to be beneficial in improving growth performance, intestinal morphology and enhancing intestinal antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets. The optimal dose of EA in the present study for weaned piglets was 2 g/kg.

Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant enzyme activity, and fecal microbial flora in growing pigs fed diets containing Spirulina

The present experiment was to evaluate the effects of dietary Spirulina (SP) supplementation in growing pigs. A total of 140 pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc, 25.32 ± 1.36 kg] were randomly distributed to one of four treatments: control, basal diet; treatment 1, basal diet + 0.025% SP; treatment 2, basal diet + 0.050% SP; and treatment 3, basal diet + 0.100% SP. Growing pigs fed 0.050% SP diet had greater (P &lt; 0.05) body weight and fecal Lactobacillus counts compared with pigs fed basal diet. Average daily gain and gain to feed ratio were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in pigs fed 0.050% and 0.100% SP diets as compared with pigs fed basal diet. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity for pigs fed 0.050% SP diet tended to increase compared with pigs fed basal diet (P &lt; 0.10). Pigs fed 0.025%, 0.050%, and 0.100% SP had a higher (P &lt; 0.05) glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity than pigs fed basal diet. In conclusion, SP supplementation improved growth performance and ATTD of DM, increased the SOD and GPx activity, and enhanced the fecal Lactobacillus counts in growing pigs.

Taurine modulates hepatic oxidative status and gut inflammatory markers of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fed plant feedstuffs-based diets.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of taurine (tau) supplementation to low fishmeal (FM) diets on growth performance, oxidative status, and immune response of European seabass juveniles. Four isoproteic (46% crude protein) and isolipidic (19% crude lipid) diets were formulated to contain either 25 or 12.5% FM and a mixture of plant feedstuffs, supplemented or not with 1% tau. Twelve groups of 20 fish (IBW = 9.4g) were fed each diet for 9weeks. Reduction of dietary FM from 25 to 12.5% impaired growth performance, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio but had no effect on nitrogen retention (% N intake). Independently of FM level, dietary tau supplementation improved growth performance and nitrogen retention without affecting feed efficiency. Dietary FM level reduction increased liver G6PDH activity, but did not affect lipid peroxidation or activities of redox key enzymes. Contrarily, dietary tau supplementation decreased hepatic G6PDH and GPX activities and lipid peroxidation. Gene expression COX-2 was not affected either by FM or tau levels but TNF-α increased with the reduction of FM level but not with the tau level. Dietary tau supplementation decreased Casp3 and Casp9 expression regardless of dietary FM level. Overall, this study evidenced that dietary tau supplementation improved growth performance and antioxidant response and reduced intestine inflammatory and apoptosis processes.

Dietary β-glucan supplementation improves growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of finishing pigs.

This experiment was conducted to investigate growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of finishing pigs with dietary β-glucan supplementation. A total of 96 healthy pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; initial average BW = 25 kg) were randomly allocated into 4 dietary treatments with 6 replicates per treatment and 4 pigs per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the experimental diets were supplemented with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 β-glucan, respectively. The experiment lasted 103 d. The basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg β-glucan significantly increased average daily gain and feed conversion ratio, probably due to the improved digestibility of dry matter, gross energy and crude protein (P < 0.05). Beta-glucan supplementation from 100 to 200 mg/kg of diet significantly increased carcass length (P < 0.05). The basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg β-glucan supplementation also significantly (P < 0.05) increased muscle pH, reduced drip losses and increased a∗ values. The basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg β-glucan increased the content of intramuscular fat and changed the proportion of saturated fatty acid and unsaturated fatty acid, thereby improved the flavor of meat. In conclusion, the basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 β-glucan improves growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass length, and pork quality of finishing pigs.

Moderate tetrabasic zinc chloride supplementation improves growth performance and reduces diarrhea incidence in weaned pigs

ObjectiveTwo experiments were conducted to evaluate tetrabasic zinc chloride (TBZC) on the health of weaned pigs, and to determine the optimal supplemental concentrations and whether dietary TBZC could replace the pharmacological concentrations of dietary zinc oxide (ZnO) to improve growth performance and decrease Zn excretion in weaned pigs.MethodsIn Exp. 1, 180 weaned pigs (8.92±1.05 kg body weight [BW]) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments, including the basal diet containing 125 mg/kg zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), and the basal diet with 1,200, 1,800, 2,400, or 3,000 mg/kg TBZC supplementation. In Exp. 2, 240 weaned pigs (7.66±1.09 kg BW) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments, including a negative control diet without Zn supplementation, a positive control diet (2,250 mg/kg ZnO), and 3 experimental diets with different concentrations of TBZC supplementation (1,000, 1,250, and 1,500 mg/kg).ResultsIn Exp. 1, the average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (G:F) and diarrhea incidence responded quadratically (p<0.01) as the TBZC supplemental concentrations increased, and pigs fed 1,200 and 1,800 mg/kg TBZC showed the best growth performance. Moreover, 1,800 mg/kg TBZC supplementation showed the greatest (p<0.01) total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activities in liver of pigs. Histopathological examination revealed lesions in heart, liver, lung and kidney, and mild or severe histological lesions mainly occurred with the supplementation of 2,400 and 3,000 mg/kg TBZC. In Exp. 2, 1,000 and 1,250 mg/kg TBZC supplementation in diets significantly (p<0.01) increased ADG and G:F of weaned pigs, reduced Zn excretion in feces, and had no effect on diarrhea-reducing compared to 2,250 mg/kg ZnO supplementation.ConclusionThe TBZC is a potential alternative to ZnO. The recommended concentration of TBZC in weaned pig diets is 1,000 to 1,250 mg/kg.

Yupingfeng polysaccharides enhances growth performance in Qingyuan partridge chicken by up-regulating the mRNA expression of SGLT1, GLUT2 and GLUT5.

The ban on the use of antibiotic in feed encouraged nutritionists to using alternatives to maintain growth performance and intestinal function of broilers. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Yupingfeng polysaccharides (YP) supplementation on growth performance and expression of SGLT1, GLUT2 and GLUT5 in Qingyuan partridge chicken. Experiment 1: a total of 540 chickens were randomly allocated to five groups with six replication. Dietary treatments were: (1) CON (control group), basal diet; (2) T1, CON + 0.5 g kg−1 YP; (3) T2, CON + 1 g kg−1 YP; (4) T3, CON + 2 g kg−1 YP; (5) T4, CON + 4 g kg−1 YP. Experiment 2, a total of 162 were randomly allocated to three groups with three replication. Dietary treatments were: (1) CON, basal diet; (2) T1, CON + 0.5 g kg−1 YP; (3) T2, CON + 1 g kg−1 YP. From days 1 to 14 and overall, chicken fed T1 diet had higher ADG. On day 42, there was increased villus height of jejunum in T1 group. On days 14 and 28, there was decreased villus height of duodenum and jejunum in T2 group. In duodenum, the expression of SGLT1 (days 21, 35 and 42), GLUT2 (days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) and GLUT5 (days 7, 14, 21 and 28) was increased with YP supplementation. In jejunum, the expression of SGLT1 (days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35), GLUT2 (days 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) and GLUT5 (days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) was increased with YP supplementation. In ileum, the expression of SGLT1 (days 7, 21, 35 and 42), GLUT2 (days 7, 14, 21 and 42) and GLUT5 (days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) was increased with YP supplementation. Dietary YP supplementation improves growth performance and expression of SGLT1, GLUT2 and GLUT5 in intestine.

Effects of vitamin A on antioxidant functions, immune functions and production performance in male sika deer (Cervus nippon) during the first antler growth period

The present study examined the effects of dietary vitamin A (VA) on antioxidant functions, immune functions and production performance in farmed sika deer. Forty healthy male sika deer (initial body weight (BW): 47.07 ± 4.75 kg; 8 months of age) were randomly assigned to four treatments on the basis of BW. The dietary treatments included a basal diet (containing 330 U/kg VA) supplemented with 0 (control), 2500, 5000 or 10,000 U/kg retinol acetate (500,000 U/g, Rovimix A500, Roche, Basel, Switzerland). The results showed that deer fed a diet supplemented with 5000 U/kg VA had higher (p < .05) average daily gains and gain:feed values than those from the control group. VA supplementation significantly increased (p < .05) glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities and total antioxidant capacity and decreased (p < .05) the concentrations of reactive oxygen species in the serum. Additionally, serum immunoglobulin A, interleukin-2 and soluble CD8 were significantly increased (p < .05) when dietary VA supplementation was increased from 0 to 5000 U/kg. However, a high dose of VA supplementation (10,000 U/kg) caused decreased (p < .05) concentrations of serum tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1. Deer that received feed supplemented with 5000 U/kg VA had higher (p < .05) dry antler yield than the control deer. The present results indicated that VA supplementation improved growth performance, antioxidant functions, immune functions and dry antler yield. Taken together, the suitable level of VA supplementation was found to be 5000 U/kg (total VA content 5330 mg/kg dry matter) for male sika deer during the first antler growth period.

Palygorskite Supplementation Improves Growth Performance, Oxidative Status, and Intestinal Barrier Function in Cherry Valley Ducks.

The effects of dietary palygorskite (Pal) supplementation on growth performance, oxidative status, and intestinal barrier function in ducks were investigated. In total, 720 one-day-old Cherry Valley ducks were categorized into 4 treatments comprising 6 replicates with 30 ducks each. Ducks were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 5, 10, or 20 g/kg Pal for 42 days. Twenty-four ducks (1 male/replicate) were slaughtered at 14 and 42 days and samples were collected for analysis. Pal supplementation quadratically increased weight gain and linearly and quadratically increased feed intake (P<0.05) during the starter period. Pal enhanced serum glutathione peroxidase activity (GSHPx) at 14 (linear and quadratic, P<0.05) and 42 days (linear, P<0.001), and lowered serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content at 14 and 42 days (quadratic, P<0.05). It enhanced 42-day liver superoxide dismutase activity (linear, P=0.003) and GSH-Px activity at 14 (quadratic, P=0.044) and 42 days (linear and quadratic, P<0.001), but decreased 14-day liver MDA content (quadratic, P=0.003). Pal reduced 42-day serum diamine oxidase activity (linear and quadratic, P<0.05) and serum endotoxin content at 14 (linear and quadratic, P<0.05) and 42 days (quadratic, P=0.017). It linearly and quadratically increased jejunal mucosal immunoglobulin (Ig) M at 42 days and IgG at 14 and 42 days, and 42-day ileal mucosal IgG and secretory IgA (P<0.05). Ileal mucosal IgM content was quadratically increased at 14 and 42 days (P<0.05) by Pal. Moreover, Pal enhanced the mRNA expression of 14-day occludin in the jejunal mucosa (quadratic, P=0.033) and that of 42-day zonula occludens-1 in the ileal mucosa (linear, P=0.027). Thus, dietary Pal supplementation exerts beneficial effects through improving growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal barrier function of ducks.