Background Our previous studies demonstrated that divalent organic iron(Fe)proteinate sources with higher complexation or chelation strengths as expressed by the greater quotient of formation(Qf)values displayed highe...Background Our previous studies demonstrated that divalent organic iron(Fe)proteinate sources with higher complexation or chelation strengths as expressed by the greater quotient of formation(Qf)values displayed higher Fe bioavailabilities for broilers.Sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate(NaFeEDTA)is a trivalent organic Fe source with the strongest chelating ligand EDTA.However,the bioavailability of Fe when administered as NaFeEDTA in broilers and other agricultural animals remains untested.Herein,the chemical characteristics of 12 NaFeEDTA products were determined.Of these,one feed grade NaFeEDTA(Qf=2.07×10^(8)),one food grade NaFeEDTA(Qf=3.31×10^(8)),and one Fe proteinate with an extremely strong chelation strength(Fe-Prot ES,Qf value=8,590)were selected.Their bioavailabilities relative to Fe sulfate(FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O)for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet were evaluated during d 1 to 21 by investigating the effects of the above Fe sources and added Fe levels on the growth performance,hematological indices,Fe contents,activities and gene expressions of Fe-containing enzymes in various tissues of broilers.Results NaFeEDTA sources varied greatly in their chemical characteristics.Plasma Fe concentration(PI),transferrin saturation(TS),liver Fe content,succinate dehydrogenase(SDH)activities in liver,heart,and kidney,catalase(CAT)activity in liver,and SDH mRNA expressions in liver and kidney increased linearly(P<0.05)with increasing levels of Fe supplementation.However,differences among Fe sources were detected(P<0.05)only for PI,liver Fe content,CAT activity in liver,SDH activities in heart and kidney,and SDH mRNA expressions in liver and kidney.Based on slope ratios from multiple linear regressions of the above indices on daily dietary analyzed Fe intake,the average bioavailabilities of Fe-Prot ES,feed grade NaFeEDTA,and food grade NaFeEDTA relative to the inorganic FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O(100%)for broilers were 139%,155%,and 166%,respectively.Conclusions The bioavailabilities of organic Fe sources relative to FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O were closely related to their Qf values,and NaFeEDTA sources with higher Qf values showed higher Fe bioavailabilities for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet.展开更多
Background Broilers have a robust metabolism and high body temperature,which make them less tolerant to hightemperature(HT)environments and more susceptible to challenges from elevated temperatures.Gut microbes,functi...Background Broilers have a robust metabolism and high body temperature,which make them less tolerant to hightemperature(HT)environments and more susceptible to challenges from elevated temperatures.Gut microbes,functioning as symbionts within the host,possess the capacity to significantly regulate the physiological functions and environmental adaptability of the host.This study aims to investigate the effects of gut microbial intervention on the body temperature and thermogenesis of broilers at different ambient temperatures,as well as the underlying mechanism involving the"gut-brain"axis.Methods Broilers were subjected to gut microbiota interference with or without antibiotics(control or ABX)starting at 1 day of age.At 21 day of age,they were divided into 4 groups and exposed to different environments for 7 d:The control and ABX groups at room temperature(RT,24±1℃,60%relative humidity(RH),24 h/d)and the control-HT and ABX-HT groups at high temperature(HT,32±1℃,60%RH,24 h/d).Results The results demonstrated that the antibiotic-induced gut microbiota intervention increased body weight and improved feed conversion in broiler chickens(P<0.05).Under HT conditions,the microbiota intervention reduced the rectal temperature of broiler chickens(P<0.05),inhibited the expression of avUCP and thermogenesisrelated genes in breast muscle and liver(P<0.05),and thus decreased thermogenesis capacity.Furthermore,the gut microbiota intervention blunted the hypothalamic‒pituitary‒adrenal axis and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activation induced by HT conditions.By analyzing the cecal microbiota composition of control and ABX chickens maintained under HT conditions,we found that Alistipes was enriched in control chickens.In contrast,antibioticinduced gut microbiota intervention resulted in a decrease in the relative abundance of Alistipes(P<0.05).Moreover,this difference was accompanied by increased hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)content and TPH2 expression(P<0.05).Conclusions These findings underscore the critical role of the gut microbiota in regulating broiler thermogenesis via the gut-brain axis and suggest that the hypothalamic 5-HT pathway may be a potential mechanism by which the gut microbiota affects thermoregulation in broilers.展开更多
Background Global warming leading to heat stress(HS)is becoming a major challenge for broiler production.This study aimed to explore the protective effects of seaweed(Enteromorpha prolifera)polysaccharides(EPS)on the ...Background Global warming leading to heat stress(HS)is becoming a major challenge for broiler production.This study aimed to explore the protective effects of seaweed(Enteromorpha prolifera)polysaccharides(EPS)on the intestinal barrier function,microbial ecology,and performance of broilers under HS.A total of 144 yellow-feathered broilers(male,56 days old)with 682.59±7.38 g were randomly assigned to 3 groups:1)TN(thermal neutral zone,23.6±1.8℃),2)HS(heat stress,33.2±1.5℃ for 10 h/d),and 3)HSE(HS+0.1%EPS).Each group contained 6 replicates with 8 broilers per replicate.The study was conducted for 4 weeks;feed intake and body weights were measured at the end of weeks 2 and 4.At the end of the feeding trial,small intestine samples were collected for histomorphology,antioxidant,secretory immunoglobulin A(s Ig A)content,apoptosis,gene and protein expression analysis;cecal contents were also collected for microbiota analysis based on 16S r DNA sequencing.Results Dietary EPS promoted the average daily gain(ADG)of broilers during 3–4 weeks of HS(P<0.05).At the end of HS on broilers,the activity of total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD),glutathione S-transferase(GST),and the content of s Ig A in jejunum were improved by EPS supplementation(P<0.05).Besides,dietary EPS reduced the epithelial cell apoptosis of jejunum and ileum in heat-stressed broilers(P<0.05).Addition of EPS in HS group broilers'diet upregulated the relative m RNA expression of Occludin,ZO-1,γ-GCLc and IL-10 of the jejunum(P<0.05),whereas downregulated the relative m RNA expression of NF-κB p65,TNF-αand IL-1βof the jejunum(P<0.05).Dietary EPS increased the protein expression of Occludin and ZO-1,whereas it reduced the protein expression of NF-κB p65 and MLCK(P<0.01)and tended to decrease the protein expression of TNF-α(P=0.094)in heat-stressed broilers.Furthermore,the proportions of Bacteroides and Oscillospira among the three groups were positively associated with jejunal apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression(P<0.05)and negatively correlated with jejunal Occludin level(P<0.05).However,the proportions of Lactobacillus,Barnesiella,Subdoligranulum,Megasphaera,Collinsella,and Blautia among the three groups were positively related to ADG(P<0.05).Conclusions EPS can be used as a feed additive in yellow-feathered broilers.It effectively improves growth performance and alleviates HS-induced intestinal injury by relieving inflammatory damage and improving the tight junction proteins expression.These beneficial effects may be related to inhibiting NF-κB/MLCK signaling pathway activation and regulation of cecal microbiota.展开更多
This study aimed to investigate the dose-effect of iron on growth performance,antioxidant function.intestinal morphology,and mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein in 1-to21-d-old yellow-feathered broilers....This study aimed to investigate the dose-effect of iron on growth performance,antioxidant function.intestinal morphology,and mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein in 1-to21-d-old yellow-feathered broilers.A total of 7201-d-old yellow-feathered maleb roilers were allocated to 9 treatments with 8 replicate cages of 10 birds per cage.The dietary treatments were consisted of a basal diet(contained 79.6 mg Fe kg^(-1))supplemented with 0,20,40,60,80,160,320,640,and 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)in the form of FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O.Compared with the birds in the control group,birds supplemented with 20mg Fe kg^(-1)had higher average daily gain(ADG)(P<0.0001).Adding 640 and 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)significantly decreased ADG(P<0.0001)and average daily feed intake(ADFI)(P<0.0001)compared with supplementation of 20mg Fe kg^(-1).Malondialdehyde(MDA)concentration in plasma and duodenum increased linearly(P<0.0001),but MDA concentration in liver and jejunum increased linearly(P<0.05)or quadratically(P<0.05)with increased dietary Fe concentration.The villus height(VH)in duodenum and jejunum,and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(V/C)in duodenum decreased linearly(P?0.05)as dietary Feincreased.As dietary Fe increased,the jejunal relative mRNA abundance of claudin-1 decreased linearly(P=0.001),but the jejunal relative mRNA abundance of zona occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin decreased linearly(P?0.05)or quadratically(P?0.05).Compared with the supplementation of 20 mg Fe kg^(-1),the supplementation of640 mg Fe kg^(-1)or higher increased(P?0.05)MDA concentrations in plasma,duodenum,and jejunum,decreased VH in the duodenum and jejunum,and the addition of 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)reduced(P?0.05)the jejunal tight junction protein(claudin-1,ZO-1,occludin)mRNA abundance.In summary,640 mg of supplemental Fe kg^(-1)or greater was associated with decreased growth performance,increased oxidative stress,disrupted intestinal morphology,and reduced mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein.展开更多
Background The poultry industry needs effective antibiotic alternatives to control outbreaks of necrotic enteritis(NE)caused by Clostridium perfringens.Methods The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of d...Background The poultry industry needs effective antibiotic alternatives to control outbreaks of necrotic enteritis(NE)caused by Clostridium perfringens.Methods The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)on the immune function and gut microbiota of broilers with NE.A total of 2881-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to a 2×2 factorial arrangement with two concentrations of dietary MCE supplementation(0 or 350 mg/kg of diet)and two disease challenge statuses(control or NE).Results The results revealed that NE significantly increased the feed conversion rate(FCR),mortality,intestinal lesion score,the levels of IL-1β,IL-17 and IFN-γ/IL-4 in serum and IL-17/IL-10 in the jejunal mucosa,m RNA levels of TLR2,IFN-γand p Ig R in the jejunum,and Clostridium perfringens concentrations in the cecum.NE significantly decreased the body weight(BW),body weight gain(BWG),jejunal villus height,V/C,m RNA level of AMPK-α1 in jejunum,IL-4 level in the jejunal mucosa and lactic acid bacteria abundance in the cecum.MCE significantly increased BW,BWG,jejunal villus height,V/C,m RNA levels of occludin,ZO-1 and AMPK-α1 in the jejunum,the levels of Ig A and Ig G in serum and IL-10 in the jejunal mucosa and m RNA levels of NF-κB,IL-10 and MHC-II in the jejunum.Additionally,MCE significantly decreased the FCR,mortality,intestinal lesion score,jejunal crypt depth,the levels of IFN-γand IL-17 in serum and IL-17/IL-10 in the jejunal mucosa,Clostridium perfringens concentrations in the cecum,and m RNA levels of IL-17/IL-10 in the jejunum.Moreover,NE significantly increased the abundance of bacteria that are associated with inflammation,obesity and depression(Alistipes,Barnesiella,Intestinimonas,RF39 and UCG-005)and significantly decreased the abundance of short-chain fatty acid(SCFA)-producing bacteria(Anaerotruncus,Butyricicoccus and Bacteroides)in the cecum.MCE significantly increased the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria(Streptococcus,Ruminococcus_torques_group and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group)and significantly reduced the abundance of bacteria that are associated with inflammation and obesity(Alistipes,Barnesiella and UCG-010)in the cecum.In the cecum of broilers with NE,the relative abundance of Barnesiella and Alistipes was higher and that of Lachnoclostridium and Shuttleworthia was lower.Interestingly,these trends were reversed by the addition of MCE to the diet.Spearman correlation analysis showed that Barnesiella and Alistipes were associated with enhanced intestinal inflammation and inhibited growth performance,whereas Lachnoclostridium and Shuttleworthia were associated with anti-inflammatory effects.Conclusions MCE ameliorated the loss of growth performance in broiler chickens with NE,probably by regulating the intestinal barrier,immune function,and gut microbiota.展开更多
Coccidiosis is a disease caused by intracellular protozoan parasites, specifically belonging to the genus Eimeria. These parasites target the gastrointestinal tract in different types of hosts, causing sores in the in...Coccidiosis is a disease caused by intracellular protozoan parasites, specifically belonging to the genus Eimeria. These parasites target the gastrointestinal tract in different types of hosts, causing sores in the intestinal lining. The presence of these lesions reduces the animal’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients, significantly impacting their overall performance. The current study aimed to explore the potential correlation between seasonal variations and the incidence of Eimeria spp-induced lesions in broiler chickens’ gastrointestinal tracts in Brazil from 2012 to 2018. A total of 8,607 broiler chickens, aged 14 to 42 days, were sampled from 103 poultry integrated companies in Brazil to conduct intestinal health examinations. The sampling process involved selecting 3 to 6 chickens from each poultry house for examination. The assessment included various abnormalities such as shedding of intestinal cells and excessive fluid and mucus presence, thickening and tension of the intestines, food movement, roughened mucosal surface resembling a Turkish towel in the small intestine, tissue death, duodenal inflammation, intestinal inflammation, gizzard erosion, presence of worms and bedding material, and ingestion of mealworms. During the seasons, winter exhibited the highest average occurrence of Eimeria maxima microorganisms at 52.83%, with E. acervulina following closely at 26.42% in second place. In spring, E. maxima had an occurrence of 11.31%, while in fall, E. tenella had the lowest occurrence at 6.74%. When analyzing the seasonal occurrence of Eimeria, it was observed that E. maxima micro was more common during winter compared to summer (P = 0.0491). However, no discernible variation was observed in the occurrence of the remaining species across different seasons. Research findings suggest that subclinical coccidiosis is most prevalent during the winter season in Brazil. Likewise, clinical disease caused by E. acervulina is also prevalent during this time. In contrast, E. maxima is more likely to cause clinical disease in the spring, whereas E. tenella is more commonly associated with clinical disease in the fall. Lesions induced by Eimeria spp. are associated with factors influencing the overall health of broiler intestines. These findings allow for the utilization of seasonal metrics in disease management, thereby reducing economic losses associated with the condition.展开更多
The study evaluated the growth performance and carcass quality of COBB500 broilers fed two experimental rations incorporating feed and mango fine ED<sub>10</sub> for a batch of 83 birds, ED<sub>20<...The study evaluated the growth performance and carcass quality of COBB500 broilers fed two experimental rations incorporating feed and mango fine ED<sub>10</sub> for a batch of 83 birds, ED<sub>20</sub> (batch of 83 birds) in comparison with a commercial control ration CCD (84 birds). For this purpose, 250 day-old chicks of this breed were purchased in Korhogo and transported to Tengréla in Ivory Coast for rearing. The results show that substituting mango provender ans and mango seed flour for maize resulted in rations with costs per kgMS of 215.35FCFA, 2016.93FCFA and 320FCFA for the ED<sub>10</sub>, ED<sub>20</sub> and CCD rations respectively. The production costs per kg of chicken (FCPkgLW) of the CCD ration were significantly higher than those of the ED10 and ED<sub>20</sub> (p 0.05). ADGs were significantly different and decreasing from CCD, ED<sub>20</sub> to ED<sub>10</sub> (p 0.05). Average weights at 42nd day for ED<sub>20</sub> and CCD were homogeneous (p > 0.05) and significantly higher than for ED<sub>10</sub> (p 0.05). By day 49th the average weight of ED<sub>20</sub> had reached and exceeded that of CCD by day 42nd. PSLW, HCW and CCW were significantly different and decreasing from CCW, ED<sub>20</sub> to ED<sub>10</sub> (p 0.05). Average hot (HCY) and cooled (CCY) carcass yields of ED<sub>20</sub> and CCD rations were comparable (p > 0.05) and significantly higher than those of ED<sub>10</sub> ration (p = 0.009) and 0.003). Average drumstick and neck weights were significantly higher and lower for CCD, ED<sub>20</sub> and ED<sub>10</sub> (p 0.05). For all other parts of the cut, the average weights of the CCD ration were significantly higher (p 0.05) than those of the ED<sub>20</sub> and ED<sub>10</sub> rations, which were homogeneous (p 0.05). The incorporation of mango provender and mango seed flour in broiler rations offers the prospect of reduced production costs, less competition between man and animals over cereals, and lean meat production that is more appreciated than that of chickens fed conventional feed. As it stands, the ED<sub>20</sub> ration can be recommended as a growth diet for broilers. It would be necessary to determine the levels of anti-nutritional substances in mango feeds and to assess the in vivo digestibility of mango ingredients and the diets incorporating them.展开更多
The optimum levels of Lysine and Glutamine needed for growth performance and maintenance of the chicken broilers were evaluated in a randomized 3 × 4 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. The battery cages...The optimum levels of Lysine and Glutamine needed for growth performance and maintenance of the chicken broilers were evaluated in a randomized 3 × 4 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. The battery cages measured 99 × 66 × 25 cm that can be sufficient for 5 birds. Day old Chicken broilers totaling 180 were assigned to dietary treatments comprising of 3 concentrations of Lysine (0.85, 1.14, and 1.42) each in combination with 4 concentrations of Glutamine (0, 1, 2, and 3). Each dietary treatment was replicated 3 times and each replication had 5 birds. The birds were given feed and water ad libitum with a 23-hour light regimen for a period of 4 weeks. Then, the experimental birds were evaluated for body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion in order to determine their optimum requirement for dietary Lysine and Glutamine. Based on the findings of this study, the highest performance was observed in birds fed the diet supplemented with 1.42 lysine and 1% glutamine, but the highest improvement in feed conversion was observed in diet contain 1.14 and 1.42 with 1% and 3% glutamine, respectively. Birds fed 1.42 lysine and 1% glutamine had the highest total body weight gain and feed consumption. The lysine requirements in the diet for Chicken are between 1.14 and 1.42 with glutamine level of 1%.展开更多
The accumulation of growth-promoting antibiotic residues in animal products and the resistance developed by bacteria in poultry farms has led to a search for natural compounds derived from plants. This study was desig...The accumulation of growth-promoting antibiotic residues in animal products and the resistance developed by bacteria in poultry farms has led to a search for natural compounds derived from plants. This study was designed to promote the production performance of broiler chickens using fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves infusion. Fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves were harvested, washed, chopped and ground to a paste using a blender and fermented for three days in a closed container at a rate of 500 g/L of water. The solution obtained was filtered and added at the rate of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ml/L of drinking water. The chickens fed on the graded level of the solution were compared to a control ration without an additive and positive control group supplemented with 1 g antibiotic/kg feed. At the finisher phase and throughout the study period, water intake increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of infusion. Feed intake decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with 2 and 4 ml of infusion/L drinking water. Live weight and weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) higher with 6 ml/L, while feed conversion significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with the same treatment compared with the control treatment without additives (T0). Carcass characteristics were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the inclusion of Cupressus sempervirens infusion. Haematological parameters significantly (P < 0.05) increase independently of the rate of incorporation of the infusion into the drinking water, with the exception of RBCs, MCHT and PCT. Serum content in total protein, globulins, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (P < 0.05) high with 8 and 10 ml Cupressus sempervirens infusion/litre drinking water as compared to all other treatments. AST, ALT, urea, creatine, albumin, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were not significantly affected. The lactic acid bacteria load increased significantly (P E. coli and salmonella counts decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with infusion compared to the control without additive. In conclusion, 6 ml of Cupressus sempervirens infusion can be used as an alternative to antibiotic feed additives to promote growth performance in broilers.展开更多
Background Dietary bamboo leaf flavonoids(BLFs)are rarely used in poultry production,and it is unknown whether they influence meat texture profile,perceived color,or microstructure.Results A total of 720 one-day-old A...Background Dietary bamboo leaf flavonoids(BLFs)are rarely used in poultry production,and it is unknown whether they influence meat texture profile,perceived color,or microstructure.Results A total of 720 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were supplemented with a basal diet with 20 mg bacitracin/kg,50 mg BLFs/kg,or 250 mg BLFs/kg or without additions.Data showed that the dietary BLFs significantly(P<0.05)changed growth performance and the texture profile.In particular,BLFs increased birds’average daily gain and average daily feed intake,decreased the feed:gain ratio and mortality rate,improved elasticity of breast meat,enhanced the gumminess of breast and leg meat,and decreased the hardness of breast meat.Moreover,a significant(P<0.05)increase in redness(a*)and chroma(c*)of breast meat and c*and water-holding capacity of leg meat was found in BLF-supplemented broilers compared with control broilers.In addition,BLFs supplementation significantly decreased(P<0.05)theβ-sheet ratio and serum malondialdehyde and increased theβ-turn ratio of protein secondary structure,superoxide dismutase,and glutathione peroxidase of breast meat and total antioxidant capacity and catalase of serum.Based on the analysis of untargeted metabolome,BLFs treatment considerably altered 14 metabolites of the breast meat,including flavonoids,amino acids,and organic acids,as well as phenolic and aromatic compounds.Conclusions Dietary BLFs supplementation could play a beneficial role in improving meat quality and sensory color in the poultry industry by changing protein secondary structures and modulating metabolites.展开更多
Background Growth-promoting antibiotics have been banned by law in the livestock and poultry breeding industry in many countries.Various alternatives to antibiotics have been investigated for using in livestock.Epimed...Background Growth-promoting antibiotics have been banned by law in the livestock and poultry breeding industry in many countries.Various alternatives to antibiotics have been investigated for using in livestock.Epimedium(EM)is an herb rich in flavonoids that has many beneficial effects on animals.Therefore,this study was planned to explore the potential of EM as a new alternative antibiotic product in animal feed.Methods A total of 7201-day-old male broilers(Arbor Acres Plus)were randomly divided into six groups and fed basal diet(normal control;NC),basal diet supplemented with antibiotic(75 mg/kg chlortetracycline;CTC),and basal diet supplemented with 100,200,400 or 800 mg/kg EM extract for 6 weeks(EM100,EM200,EM400 and EM800 groups).The growth performance at weeks 3 and 6 was measured.Serum,intestinal tissue and feces were collected to assay for antioxidant indexes,intestinal permeability,lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)profiles,microbial composition,and expression of intestinal barrier genes.Results The average daily feed intake in CTC group at 1-21 d was significantly higher than that in the NC group,and had no statistical difference with EM groups.Compared with NC group,average daily gain in CTC and EM200 groups increased significantly at 1-21 and 1-42 d.Compared with NC group,EM200 and EM400 groups had significantly decreased levels of lipopolysaccharide and D-lactic acid in serum throughout the study.The concentrations of lactic acid,acetic acid,propionic acid,butyric acid and SCFAs in feces of birds fed 200 mg/kg EM diet were significantly higher than those fed chlortetracycline.The dietary supplementation of chlortetracycline and 200 mg/kg EM significantly increased ileal expression of SOD1,Claudin-1 and ZO-1 genes.Dietary supplemented with 200 mg/kg EM increased the relative abundances of g_NK4A214_group and Lactobacillus in the jejunal,while the relative abundances of Microbacterium,Kitasatospora,Bacteroides in the jejunal and Gallibacterium in the ileum decreased.Conclusion Supplementation with 200 mg/kg EM extract improved the composition of intestinal microbiota by regulating the core bacterial genus Lactobacillus,and increased the concentration of beneficial metabolites lactic acid and SCFAs in the flora,thereby improving the antioxidant capacity and intestinal permeability,enhancing the function of tight junction proteins.These beneficial effects improved the growth performance of broilers.展开更多
Background In broiler chickens,necrotic enteritis(NE)infection can reduce production performance.Tannic acid has shown great potential as a treatment of NE in broilers.However,the appropriate dosage of tannic acid in ...Background In broiler chickens,necrotic enteritis(NE)infection can reduce production performance.Tannic acid has shown great potential as a treatment of NE in broilers.However,the appropriate dosage of tannic acid in NE of broilers and the improvement effect on intestinal health are not very clear.In this study,we aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of tannic acid on the production performance,immunity,and intestinal health of broilers by constructing an NE model with C.perfringens infection and determining the appropriate dosage of tannic acid with regard to NE.Results Challenged birds showed significant reduction in body weight,villus height,and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(P<0.05)and increase in the feed consumption gain ratio,intestinal lesion score,and crypt depth(P<0.05).The infection significantly reduced the relative Bacteroidota and Ligilactobacillus abundance(P<0.05)and increased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota and cecal content of C.perfringens(P<0.05).Challenged birds fed diets supplemented with tannic acid showed significantly increased mRNA expression of nutrient transport carriers and intestinal barrier genes and growth performance and reduced serum zonulin and endotoxin levels(P<0.05).Addi-tion of tannic acid to the diet inhibited the inflammatory response by reducing the number of coccidia oocysts in feces and the content of C.perfringens in the cecum.Specifically,tannic acid reduced the serum levels of C reactive protein,myeloperoxidase,and specific IgY and ileal mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A levels in the ileal mucosa compared with those in the NE-infected birds.NE-infected birds fed diets supplemented with tannic acid also showed significantly increased relative Anaerocolumna,Thermoanaerobacterium,and Thermosinus abundance(P<0.05);their microbial composition and functional predictions were similar to those of the NC group.Conclusions Tannic acid in the diet alleviated NE by enhancing the intestinal barrier and absorption function.The recommended dietary tannic acid additive level is 500–750 mg/kg.Our study findings would be useful in reducing related economic losses in the broiler industry.展开更多
Background:Preventing Salmonella infection and colonization in young birds is key to improving poultry gut health and reducing Salmonella contamination of poultry products and decreasing salmonellosis for human consum...Background:Preventing Salmonella infection and colonization in young birds is key to improving poultry gut health and reducing Salmonella contamination of poultry products and decreasing salmonellosis for human consumption(poultry meat and eggs).Probiotics can improve poultry health.The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of a probiotics,Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 11181(E.faecium NCIMB 11181)on the intestinal mucosal immune responses,microbiome and barrier function in the presence or absence of Salmonella Typhimurium(S.Typh-imurium,ST)infection.Methods:Two hundred and forty 1-day-old Salmonella-free male broiler chickens(Arbor Acres AA+)were randomly allocated to four groups with 6 replicate cages of 10 birds each.The four experimental groups were follows:(1)nega-tive control(NC),(2)S.Typhimurium,challenged positive control(PC),(3)the E.faecium NCIMB 11181-treated group(EF),(4)the E.faecium NCIMB 11181-treated and S.Typhimurium-challenged group(PEF).Results:Results indicated that,although continuous feeding E.faecium NCIMB 11181 did not obviously alleviate growth depression caused by S.Typhimurium challenge(P>0.05),E.faecium NCIMB 11181 addition significantly blocked Salmonella intestinal colonization and translocation(P<0.05).Moreover,supplemental E.faecium NCIMB 11181 to the infected chickens remarkably attenuated gut morphological structure damage and intestinal cell apoptosis induced by S.Typhimurium infection,as evidenced by increasing gut villous height and reducing intes-tinal TUNEL-positive cell numbers(P<0.05).Also,E.faecium NCIMB 11181 administration notably promoting the production of anti-Salmonella antibodies in intestinal mucosa and serum of the infected birds(P<0.05).Addition-ally,16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that E.faecium NCIMB 11181 supplementation ameliorated S.Typhimu-rium infection-induced gut microbial dysbiosis by enriching Lachnospiracease and Alistipes levels,and suppressing Barnesiella abundance.Predicted function analysis indicated that the functional genes of cecal microbiome involved in C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism;valine,leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis;glycerolipid metabolism and lysine biosynthesis were enriched in the infected chickens given E.faecium NCIMB 11181.While alanine,asparate and glutamate metabolism;MAPK signal pathway-yeast;ubiquine and other terpenoid-quinore biosynthesis,protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum;as well as glutathione metabolism were suppressed by E.faecium NCIMB 11181 addition.Conclusion:Collectively,our data suggested that dietary E.faecium NCIBM 11181 supplementation could ameliorate S.Typhimurium infection-induced gut injury in broiler chickens.Our findings also suggest that E.faecium NCIMB 11181 may serve as an effective non-antibiotic feed additive for improving gut health and controlling Salmonella infection in broiler chickens.展开更多
Background Salmonella Typhimurium challenge causes a huge detriment to chicken production.N-acyl homoserine lactonase(AHLase),a quorum quenching enzyme,potentially inhibits the growth and virulence of Gram-negative ba...Background Salmonella Typhimurium challenge causes a huge detriment to chicken production.N-acyl homoserine lactonase(AHLase),a quorum quenching enzyme,potentially inhibits the growth and virulence of Gram-negative bacteria.However,it is unknown whether AHLase can protect chickens against S.Typhimurium challenge.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of AHLase on growth performance and intestinal health in broilers challenged by S.Typhimurium.A total of 240 one-day-old female crossbred broilers(817C)were randomly divided into 5 groups(6 replicates/group):negative control(NC),positive control(PC),and PC group supplemented with 5,10 or 20 U/g AHLase.All birds except those in NC were challenged with S.Typhimurium from 7 to 9 days of age.All parameters related to growth and intestinal health were determined on d 10 and 14.Results The reductions(P<0.05)in body weight(BW)and average daily gain(ADG)in challenged birds were alleviated by AHLase addition especially at 10 U/g.Thus,samples from NC,PC and PC plus 10 U/g AHLase group were selected for further analysis.S.Typhimurium challenge impaired(P<0.05)intestinal morphology,elevated(P<0.05)ileal inflammatory cytokines(IL-1βand IL-8)expression,and increased(P<0.05)serum diamine oxidase(DAO)activity on d 10.However,AHLase addition normalized these changes.Gut microbiota analysis on d 10 showed that AHLase reversed the reductions(P<0.05)in several beneficial bacteria(e.g.Bacilli,Bacillales and Lactobacillales),along with increases(P<0.05)in certain harmful bacteria(e.g.Proteobacteria,Gammaproteobacteria,Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia/Shigel a)in PC group.Furthermore,AHLase-induced increased beneficial bacteria and decreased harmful bacteria were basically negatively correlated(P<0.05)with the reductions of ileal IL-1βand IL-8 expression and serum DAO activity,but positively correlated(P<0.05)with the increased BW and ADG.Functional prediction revealed that AHLase abolished S.Typhimurium-induced upregulations(P<0.05)of certain pathogenicity-related pathways such as lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis,shigellosis,bacterial invasion of epithelial cells and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection of gut microbiota.Conclusions Supplemental AHLase attenuated S.Typhimurium-induced growth retardation and intestinal disruption in broilers,which could be associated with the observed recovery of gut microbiota dysbiosis.展开更多
Background:High stocking density(HSD)stress has detrimental effects on growth performance,intestinal barrier function,and intestinal microbiota in intensive animal production.Organic acids(OA)are widely used as feed a...Background:High stocking density(HSD)stress has detrimental effects on growth performance,intestinal barrier function,and intestinal microbiota in intensive animal production.Organic acids(OA)are widely used as feed addi-tives for their ability to improve growth performance and intestinal health in poultry.However,whether dietary OA can ameliorate HSD stress-induced impaired intestinal barrier in broilers remains elusive.In this study,a total of 528 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 12 replicates per treatment including 10 birds for normal stocking density and 17 birds for HSD.The dietary treatments were as follows:1)Normal stocking density+basal diet;2)HSD+basal diets;3)HSD+OA.Results:HSD stress can induce increased levels of serum corticosterone,lipopolysaccharides,interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,and down-regulated mRNA expression of ZO-1,resulting in compromised growth performance of broilers(P<0.05).Dietary OA could significantly reduce levels of serum corticosterone,lipopolysaccharides,interleukin-1β,and tumor necrosis factor-α,which were accompanied by up-regulated interleukin-10,mRNA expres-sion of ZO-1,and growth performance(P<0.05).Moreover,OA could down-regulate the mRNA expression of TLR4 and MyD88 to inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway(P<0.05).Additionally,HSD stress significantly decreased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and disturbed the balance of microbial ecosystems,whereas OA significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and restored the disordered gut microbiota by reducing competitive and exploita-tive interactions in microbial communities(P<0.05).Meanwhile,OA significantly increased the content of acetic and butyric acids,which showed significant correlations with intestinal inflammation indicators(P<0.05).Conclusions:Dietary OA ameliorated intestinal inflammation and growth performance of broilers through restor-ing the disordered gut microbial compositions and interactions induced by HSD and elevating short-chain fatty acid production to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.These findings demonstrated the critical role of intestinal microbiota in mediating the HSD-induced inflammatory responses,contributing to exploring nutritional strategies to alleviate HSD-induced stress in animals.展开更多
Background:Research on nutrition in early-life commonly focuses on the maturation of the intestine because the intestinal system is crucial for ensuring continued growth.To explore the importance of early nutrition re...Background:Research on nutrition in early-life commonly focuses on the maturation of the intestine because the intestinal system is crucial for ensuring continued growth.To explore the importance of early nutrition regulation in animals,soy protein concentrate(SPC)was added to the early diet of broilers to investigate its effects on amino acid digestibility,intestinal development,especially intestinal microorganisms,and broiler metabolites.A total of 192 oneday-old Arbor Acres(AA)male broilers were randomly assigned to two experimental treatments with 8 replicates of 12 birds.The control group was fed a basal diet(control),and the treatment group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 12%SPC(SPC12)during the first 10 d(starter phase).From d 11 to 21(grower phase)and d 22 to 42(finisher phase),a basal diet was fed to both treatment groups.Results:SPC reduced the pH value and acid-binding capacity of the starter diet(P<0.05,d 10);SPC in the early diet enhanced the gizzard weight(P<0.05,d 10 and d 42)and the ileum weight(P<0.05,d 10)and decreased the weight and length of the jejunum(P<0.05,d 10)and the relative length of the duodenum and jejunum(P<0.05,d 10).At the same time,SPC enhanced villus height(P<0.05,d 10)and muscle thickness in the jejunum and ileum(P<0.05,d 10)and increased the number of goblet cells in the duodenum(P<0.05,d 10).Meanwhile,SPC increased the Chao1 index and the ACE index(P<0.05,d 10)and altered the composition of caecal microflora at d 10.SPC also increased the relative abundance of Alistipes,Anaerotruncus,Erysipelatoclostridium,Intestinimonas and Flavonifractor bacteria(P<0.05,d 10).At the same time,the concentrations of caecal butyric acid and total short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)were also increased in the SPC12 group(P<0.05,d 10).Conclusions:In summary,the results showed that supplementing the starter diet of broilers with SPC has a significant effect on the early development of the intestine and the microflora.展开更多
Heat stress is one of the most challenging stressors for animal production due to high economic losses resulting from impaired animal’s productivity,health and welfare.Despite the fact that all farm animal species ar...Heat stress is one of the most challenging stressors for animal production due to high economic losses resulting from impaired animal’s productivity,health and welfare.Despite the fact that all farm animal species are susceptible to heat stress,birds and pigs are particularly sensitive to heat stress due to either lacking or non-functional sweat glands.Con-vincing evidence in the literature exists that gut dysbiosis,a term used to describe a perturbation of commensal gut microbiota,develops in broilers and pigs under heat stress.Owing to the protective role of commensal bacteria for the gut barrier,gut dysbiosis causes a disruption of the gut barrier leading to endotoxemia,which contributes to the typical characteristics of heat stressed broilers and growing and growing-finishing pigs,such as reduced feed intake,decreased growth and reduced lean carcass weight.A substantial number of studies have shown that feeding of probiotics,prebiotics and synbiotics is an efficacious strategy to protect broilers from heat stress-induced gut barrier disruption through altering the gut microbiota and promoting all decisive structural,biochemical,and immunologi-cal elements of the intestinal barrier.In most of the available studies in heat stressed broilers,the alterations of gut microbiota and improvements of gut barrier function induced by feeding of either probiotics,prebiotics or synbiot-ics were accompanied by an improved productivity,health and/or welfare when compared to non-supplemented broilers exposed to heat stress.These findings indicate that the restoration of gut homeostasis and function is a key target for dietary interventions aiming to provide at least partial protection of broilers from the detrimental impact of heat stress conditions.Despite the fact that the number of studies dealing with the same feeding strategy in heat stressed pigs is limited,the available few studies suggest that feeding of probiotics might also be a suitable approach to enhance productivity,health and welfare in pigs kept under heat stress conditions.展开更多
Background Docosahexaenoic acid(DHA)and calcidiol could be enriched in chicken for improving public nutrition and health.It remains unclear if supranutritional levels of DHA and calcidiol impair growth performance or ...Background Docosahexaenoic acid(DHA)and calcidiol could be enriched in chicken for improving public nutrition and health.It remains unclear if supranutritional levels of DHA and calcidiol impair growth performance or metabolism of broiler chickens.This study was to determine singular and combined effects of high levels of supplemental DHA-rich microalgal biomass or oil and calcidiol on growth performance,concentrations of triglycerides,cholesterol,and nonesterfied fatty acids in plasma,liver,breast,and thigh,and biophysical properties of tibia.Methods In Exp.1,144 day-old Cornish chicks were divided into 4 groups(6 cages/treatment,6 birds/cage),and were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet(BD),BD+10,000 IU calcidiol/kg(BD+Cal),BD HA),and BD+1%DHA-rich Aurantiochytrium(1.2 g DHA/kg;BD+D+Cal+DHA for 6 weeks.In Exp.2,180 day-old chicks were divided into5 groups,and were fed:BD,BD+DHA(0.33%to 0.66%oil,1.5 to 3.0 g DHA/kg),BD EPA/kg),BD+DHA+EPA(1.9%to 3.8%eicosapentaenoic acid-rich Nannochloropsis sp.CO18,0.3 to 0.6 g BD+DHA+calcidiol(6000 to 12,000 IU/kg diet),and+DHA+EPA+Cal for 6 weeks.Results Birds fed BD+Cal diet in Exp.1 and BD lower(P+DHA<0.05)+EPA diet in Exp.2 had higher(P<0.05)body weight gain(10%-11%)and gain:feed ratio(7%),and total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in plasma(18%-54%),liver(8%-26%),breast(19%-26%),and thigh(10%-19%),respectively,over the controls.The two diets also improved(P<0.05)tibial breaking strength(8%-24%),total bone volume(2%-13%),and(or)bone mineral density(3%-19%)of chickens.Conclusion Supranutrition of dietary calcidiol and DHA alone or together did not produce adverse effects,but led to moderate improvements of growth performance,lipid profiles of plasma and muscle,and bone properties of broiler chickens.展开更多
Background:Two experiments were conducted to establish an optimal NE challenge model and evaluate the efficacy of stimbiotic(STB)supplementation in necrotic enteritis(NE)challenged broilers.In Exp.1,a total of 120 Arb...Background:Two experiments were conducted to establish an optimal NE challenge model and evaluate the efficacy of stimbiotic(STB)supplementation in necrotic enteritis(NE)challenged broilers.In Exp.1,a total of 120 Arbor Acres(AA)broilers(45.0±0.21 g)were randomly assigned to 6 treatments in a 3×2 factorial arrangement.Vaccine treatments included non-challenge(0),×10 the recommended dose(×10)or×20 the recommended dose(×20)by the manufacturer.Clostridium perfringens(CP)treatments were non-challenge(No)or 3 mL of 2.2×10^(7)CFU CP challenge(Yes).In Exp.2,a total of 72 AA broilers(40.17±0.27 g)were randomly assigned to 6 treatments in a 3×2 factorial arrangement.Dietary treatments included non-additive(CON),100 mg/kg STB(STB)and 100 mg/kg STB on top of a typical commercial blend including an essential oil,probiotics,and enzyme(CB).Challenge treatments included non-NE challenge(No)and NE challenge(Yes)as established in Exp.1.Results:In Exp.1,CP and vaccine challenge decreased(P<0.05)body weight(BW),body weight gain(BWG)and feed intake(FI),and increased(P<0.05)the number of broilers with diarrhea and intestinal lesions.The oral administration of×20 recommended dose of vaccines coupled with 3 mL of 2.2×10^(7)CFU CP resulted in(P<0.01)a significantly increased incidence of wet litter and intestinal lesions.Thus,this treatment was chosen as the challenge model for the successful inducement of NE in Exp.2.In Exp.2,the NE challenge negatively affected(P<0.01)growth performance,ileal morphology,immunoglobulin contents in blood,caecal microbiota in the caecum,footpad dermatitis,intestinal lesion scores,tumour necrosis factor(TNF-α)and endotoxin in the serum compared with the non-NE challenged birds.The supplementation of STB and CB in diets enhanced(P<0.05)growth performance,intestinal microbiota,and blood profiles by stimulating ileal morphology(VH and VH:CD)and propionate production in the cecum,and there were no differences in measured variables between STB and CB supplemented birds.Conclusion:Overall,these results indicate that STB supplementation was able to reduce the inflammatory response and improve the performance of NE challenged birds,and the supplementation of STB alone was as effective as a typical commercial blend containing a number of other additives.展开更多
Osteoblasts are considered as a major factor contributing to bone development and mineralization,however,few studies have been done to establish and evaluate the primary cultured tibial osteoblast model of broiler chi...Osteoblasts are considered as a major factor contributing to bone development and mineralization,however,few studies have been done to establish and evaluate the primary cultured tibial osteoblast model of broiler chicks.Therefore,in the present study,two experiments were conducted to establish and evaluate the primary cultured tibial osteoblast model of broiler chicks.In experiment 1,osteoblasts were isolated from the tibia of one-day-old Arbor Acre male broiler chicks using the explant method and identified through the cell morphology,alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and alizarin red staining.Experiment 2 was carried out to evaluate the vitality and mineralization of primary cultured tibial osteoblasts of broilers on days 4,8,12,16,20,24,28 and 32 after incubation,respectively.The results from experiment 1 demonstrated that primary cultured tibial osteoblasts of broilers showed a spindle-shaped,triangular or polygonal morphology.More than 95%of the cells were stained blue-black after ALP staining,and mineralized nodules were formed after 4 days of continuous incubation.In experiment 2,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)activity stayed at a relatively stabilized level although incubation time affected(P=0.0012)it during the whole culture period.Additionally,incubation time affected(P≤0.0001)the number and proportion of the area of mineralized nodules.They increased linearly and quadratically(P<0.04)with the increase of incubation time,and remained at a stabilized level from 24 to 32 days of incubation.The estimates of the optimal incubation time were 17 and 26 days based on the best fitted broken-line or quadratic models(P<0.0001)of the number and proportion of the area of mineralized nodules,respectively.These results indicate that the primary cultured tibial osteoblast model of broilers has been established successfully by the explant method,and it showed typical osteoblast morphology and characteristics of ALP activity and mineralization,and could maintain a relatively stabilized vitality from 4 to 32 days of incubation;and the optimal incubation time of primary tibial osteoblasts was 17 to 26 days.Therefore,it could be used to further study the underlying mechanisms of bone development and mineralization of broiler chicks.展开更多
基金funded by Jiangsu Shuang Chuang Tuan Dui program (JSSCTD202147)Jiangsu Shuang Chuang Ren Cai program (JSSCRC2021541)+1 种基金Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CAST (2022QNRC001)the Initiation Funds of Yangzhou University for Distinguished Scientists
文摘Background Our previous studies demonstrated that divalent organic iron(Fe)proteinate sources with higher complexation or chelation strengths as expressed by the greater quotient of formation(Qf)values displayed higher Fe bioavailabilities for broilers.Sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate(NaFeEDTA)is a trivalent organic Fe source with the strongest chelating ligand EDTA.However,the bioavailability of Fe when administered as NaFeEDTA in broilers and other agricultural animals remains untested.Herein,the chemical characteristics of 12 NaFeEDTA products were determined.Of these,one feed grade NaFeEDTA(Qf=2.07×10^(8)),one food grade NaFeEDTA(Qf=3.31×10^(8)),and one Fe proteinate with an extremely strong chelation strength(Fe-Prot ES,Qf value=8,590)were selected.Their bioavailabilities relative to Fe sulfate(FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O)for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet were evaluated during d 1 to 21 by investigating the effects of the above Fe sources and added Fe levels on the growth performance,hematological indices,Fe contents,activities and gene expressions of Fe-containing enzymes in various tissues of broilers.Results NaFeEDTA sources varied greatly in their chemical characteristics.Plasma Fe concentration(PI),transferrin saturation(TS),liver Fe content,succinate dehydrogenase(SDH)activities in liver,heart,and kidney,catalase(CAT)activity in liver,and SDH mRNA expressions in liver and kidney increased linearly(P<0.05)with increasing levels of Fe supplementation.However,differences among Fe sources were detected(P<0.05)only for PI,liver Fe content,CAT activity in liver,SDH activities in heart and kidney,and SDH mRNA expressions in liver and kidney.Based on slope ratios from multiple linear regressions of the above indices on daily dietary analyzed Fe intake,the average bioavailabilities of Fe-Prot ES,feed grade NaFeEDTA,and food grade NaFeEDTA relative to the inorganic FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O(100%)for broilers were 139%,155%,and 166%,respectively.Conclusions The bioavailabilities of organic Fe sources relative to FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O were closely related to their Qf values,and NaFeEDTA sources with higher Qf values showed higher Fe bioavailabilities for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,grant numbers 32372935,32072781.
文摘Background Broilers have a robust metabolism and high body temperature,which make them less tolerant to hightemperature(HT)environments and more susceptible to challenges from elevated temperatures.Gut microbes,functioning as symbionts within the host,possess the capacity to significantly regulate the physiological functions and environmental adaptability of the host.This study aims to investigate the effects of gut microbial intervention on the body temperature and thermogenesis of broilers at different ambient temperatures,as well as the underlying mechanism involving the"gut-brain"axis.Methods Broilers were subjected to gut microbiota interference with or without antibiotics(control or ABX)starting at 1 day of age.At 21 day of age,they were divided into 4 groups and exposed to different environments for 7 d:The control and ABX groups at room temperature(RT,24±1℃,60%relative humidity(RH),24 h/d)and the control-HT and ABX-HT groups at high temperature(HT,32±1℃,60%RH,24 h/d).Results The results demonstrated that the antibiotic-induced gut microbiota intervention increased body weight and improved feed conversion in broiler chickens(P<0.05).Under HT conditions,the microbiota intervention reduced the rectal temperature of broiler chickens(P<0.05),inhibited the expression of avUCP and thermogenesisrelated genes in breast muscle and liver(P<0.05),and thus decreased thermogenesis capacity.Furthermore,the gut microbiota intervention blunted the hypothalamic‒pituitary‒adrenal axis and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activation induced by HT conditions.By analyzing the cecal microbiota composition of control and ABX chickens maintained under HT conditions,we found that Alistipes was enriched in control chickens.In contrast,antibioticinduced gut microbiota intervention resulted in a decrease in the relative abundance of Alistipes(P<0.05).Moreover,this difference was accompanied by increased hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)content and TPH2 expression(P<0.05).Conclusions These findings underscore the critical role of the gut microbiota in regulating broiler thermogenesis via the gut-brain axis and suggest that the hypothalamic 5-HT pathway may be a potential mechanism by which the gut microbiota affects thermoregulation in broilers.
基金funded by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(32002196)。
文摘Background Global warming leading to heat stress(HS)is becoming a major challenge for broiler production.This study aimed to explore the protective effects of seaweed(Enteromorpha prolifera)polysaccharides(EPS)on the intestinal barrier function,microbial ecology,and performance of broilers under HS.A total of 144 yellow-feathered broilers(male,56 days old)with 682.59±7.38 g were randomly assigned to 3 groups:1)TN(thermal neutral zone,23.6±1.8℃),2)HS(heat stress,33.2±1.5℃ for 10 h/d),and 3)HSE(HS+0.1%EPS).Each group contained 6 replicates with 8 broilers per replicate.The study was conducted for 4 weeks;feed intake and body weights were measured at the end of weeks 2 and 4.At the end of the feeding trial,small intestine samples were collected for histomorphology,antioxidant,secretory immunoglobulin A(s Ig A)content,apoptosis,gene and protein expression analysis;cecal contents were also collected for microbiota analysis based on 16S r DNA sequencing.Results Dietary EPS promoted the average daily gain(ADG)of broilers during 3–4 weeks of HS(P<0.05).At the end of HS on broilers,the activity of total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD),glutathione S-transferase(GST),and the content of s Ig A in jejunum were improved by EPS supplementation(P<0.05).Besides,dietary EPS reduced the epithelial cell apoptosis of jejunum and ileum in heat-stressed broilers(P<0.05).Addition of EPS in HS group broilers'diet upregulated the relative m RNA expression of Occludin,ZO-1,γ-GCLc and IL-10 of the jejunum(P<0.05),whereas downregulated the relative m RNA expression of NF-κB p65,TNF-αand IL-1βof the jejunum(P<0.05).Dietary EPS increased the protein expression of Occludin and ZO-1,whereas it reduced the protein expression of NF-κB p65 and MLCK(P<0.01)and tended to decrease the protein expression of TNF-α(P=0.094)in heat-stressed broilers.Furthermore,the proportions of Bacteroides and Oscillospira among the three groups were positively associated with jejunal apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression(P<0.05)and negatively correlated with jejunal Occludin level(P<0.05).However,the proportions of Lactobacillus,Barnesiella,Subdoligranulum,Megasphaera,Collinsella,and Blautia among the three groups were positively related to ADG(P<0.05).Conclusions EPS can be used as a feed additive in yellow-feathered broilers.It effectively improves growth performance and alleviates HS-induced intestinal injury by relieving inflammatory damage and improving the tight junction proteins expression.These beneficial effects may be related to inhibiting NF-κB/MLCK signaling pathway activation and regulation of cecal microbiota.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31501977)the Sichuan Provincial Key R&D Project China(22ZDYF0194)the Double World-Class Project of Southwest Minzu University China(XM2023010)。
文摘This study aimed to investigate the dose-effect of iron on growth performance,antioxidant function.intestinal morphology,and mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein in 1-to21-d-old yellow-feathered broilers.A total of 7201-d-old yellow-feathered maleb roilers were allocated to 9 treatments with 8 replicate cages of 10 birds per cage.The dietary treatments were consisted of a basal diet(contained 79.6 mg Fe kg^(-1))supplemented with 0,20,40,60,80,160,320,640,and 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)in the form of FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O.Compared with the birds in the control group,birds supplemented with 20mg Fe kg^(-1)had higher average daily gain(ADG)(P<0.0001).Adding 640 and 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)significantly decreased ADG(P<0.0001)and average daily feed intake(ADFI)(P<0.0001)compared with supplementation of 20mg Fe kg^(-1).Malondialdehyde(MDA)concentration in plasma and duodenum increased linearly(P<0.0001),but MDA concentration in liver and jejunum increased linearly(P<0.05)or quadratically(P<0.05)with increased dietary Fe concentration.The villus height(VH)in duodenum and jejunum,and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(V/C)in duodenum decreased linearly(P?0.05)as dietary Feincreased.As dietary Fe increased,the jejunal relative mRNA abundance of claudin-1 decreased linearly(P=0.001),but the jejunal relative mRNA abundance of zona occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin decreased linearly(P?0.05)or quadratically(P?0.05).Compared with the supplementation of 20 mg Fe kg^(-1),the supplementation of640 mg Fe kg^(-1)or higher increased(P?0.05)MDA concentrations in plasma,duodenum,and jejunum,decreased VH in the duodenum and jejunum,and the addition of 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)reduced(P?0.05)the jejunal tight junction protein(claudin-1,ZO-1,occludin)mRNA abundance.In summary,640 mg of supplemental Fe kg^(-1)or greater was associated with decreased growth performance,increased oxidative stress,disrupted intestinal morphology,and reduced mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32272910)the Shandong Provincial Postdoctoral Program for Innovative Talent(SDBX2021013)the Shandong Province Agricultural Industry Technology(SDAIT-11-08)。
文摘Background The poultry industry needs effective antibiotic alternatives to control outbreaks of necrotic enteritis(NE)caused by Clostridium perfringens.Methods The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)on the immune function and gut microbiota of broilers with NE.A total of 2881-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to a 2×2 factorial arrangement with two concentrations of dietary MCE supplementation(0 or 350 mg/kg of diet)and two disease challenge statuses(control or NE).Results The results revealed that NE significantly increased the feed conversion rate(FCR),mortality,intestinal lesion score,the levels of IL-1β,IL-17 and IFN-γ/IL-4 in serum and IL-17/IL-10 in the jejunal mucosa,m RNA levels of TLR2,IFN-γand p Ig R in the jejunum,and Clostridium perfringens concentrations in the cecum.NE significantly decreased the body weight(BW),body weight gain(BWG),jejunal villus height,V/C,m RNA level of AMPK-α1 in jejunum,IL-4 level in the jejunal mucosa and lactic acid bacteria abundance in the cecum.MCE significantly increased BW,BWG,jejunal villus height,V/C,m RNA levels of occludin,ZO-1 and AMPK-α1 in the jejunum,the levels of Ig A and Ig G in serum and IL-10 in the jejunal mucosa and m RNA levels of NF-κB,IL-10 and MHC-II in the jejunum.Additionally,MCE significantly decreased the FCR,mortality,intestinal lesion score,jejunal crypt depth,the levels of IFN-γand IL-17 in serum and IL-17/IL-10 in the jejunal mucosa,Clostridium perfringens concentrations in the cecum,and m RNA levels of IL-17/IL-10 in the jejunum.Moreover,NE significantly increased the abundance of bacteria that are associated with inflammation,obesity and depression(Alistipes,Barnesiella,Intestinimonas,RF39 and UCG-005)and significantly decreased the abundance of short-chain fatty acid(SCFA)-producing bacteria(Anaerotruncus,Butyricicoccus and Bacteroides)in the cecum.MCE significantly increased the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria(Streptococcus,Ruminococcus_torques_group and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group)and significantly reduced the abundance of bacteria that are associated with inflammation and obesity(Alistipes,Barnesiella and UCG-010)in the cecum.In the cecum of broilers with NE,the relative abundance of Barnesiella and Alistipes was higher and that of Lachnoclostridium and Shuttleworthia was lower.Interestingly,these trends were reversed by the addition of MCE to the diet.Spearman correlation analysis showed that Barnesiella and Alistipes were associated with enhanced intestinal inflammation and inhibited growth performance,whereas Lachnoclostridium and Shuttleworthia were associated with anti-inflammatory effects.Conclusions MCE ameliorated the loss of growth performance in broiler chickens with NE,probably by regulating the intestinal barrier,immune function,and gut microbiota.
文摘Coccidiosis is a disease caused by intracellular protozoan parasites, specifically belonging to the genus Eimeria. These parasites target the gastrointestinal tract in different types of hosts, causing sores in the intestinal lining. The presence of these lesions reduces the animal’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients, significantly impacting their overall performance. The current study aimed to explore the potential correlation between seasonal variations and the incidence of Eimeria spp-induced lesions in broiler chickens’ gastrointestinal tracts in Brazil from 2012 to 2018. A total of 8,607 broiler chickens, aged 14 to 42 days, were sampled from 103 poultry integrated companies in Brazil to conduct intestinal health examinations. The sampling process involved selecting 3 to 6 chickens from each poultry house for examination. The assessment included various abnormalities such as shedding of intestinal cells and excessive fluid and mucus presence, thickening and tension of the intestines, food movement, roughened mucosal surface resembling a Turkish towel in the small intestine, tissue death, duodenal inflammation, intestinal inflammation, gizzard erosion, presence of worms and bedding material, and ingestion of mealworms. During the seasons, winter exhibited the highest average occurrence of Eimeria maxima microorganisms at 52.83%, with E. acervulina following closely at 26.42% in second place. In spring, E. maxima had an occurrence of 11.31%, while in fall, E. tenella had the lowest occurrence at 6.74%. When analyzing the seasonal occurrence of Eimeria, it was observed that E. maxima micro was more common during winter compared to summer (P = 0.0491). However, no discernible variation was observed in the occurrence of the remaining species across different seasons. Research findings suggest that subclinical coccidiosis is most prevalent during the winter season in Brazil. Likewise, clinical disease caused by E. acervulina is also prevalent during this time. In contrast, E. maxima is more likely to cause clinical disease in the spring, whereas E. tenella is more commonly associated with clinical disease in the fall. Lesions induced by Eimeria spp. are associated with factors influencing the overall health of broiler intestines. These findings allow for the utilization of seasonal metrics in disease management, thereby reducing economic losses associated with the condition.
文摘The study evaluated the growth performance and carcass quality of COBB500 broilers fed two experimental rations incorporating feed and mango fine ED<sub>10</sub> for a batch of 83 birds, ED<sub>20</sub> (batch of 83 birds) in comparison with a commercial control ration CCD (84 birds). For this purpose, 250 day-old chicks of this breed were purchased in Korhogo and transported to Tengréla in Ivory Coast for rearing. The results show that substituting mango provender ans and mango seed flour for maize resulted in rations with costs per kgMS of 215.35FCFA, 2016.93FCFA and 320FCFA for the ED<sub>10</sub>, ED<sub>20</sub> and CCD rations respectively. The production costs per kg of chicken (FCPkgLW) of the CCD ration were significantly higher than those of the ED10 and ED<sub>20</sub> (p 0.05). ADGs were significantly different and decreasing from CCD, ED<sub>20</sub> to ED<sub>10</sub> (p 0.05). Average weights at 42nd day for ED<sub>20</sub> and CCD were homogeneous (p > 0.05) and significantly higher than for ED<sub>10</sub> (p 0.05). By day 49th the average weight of ED<sub>20</sub> had reached and exceeded that of CCD by day 42nd. PSLW, HCW and CCW were significantly different and decreasing from CCW, ED<sub>20</sub> to ED<sub>10</sub> (p 0.05). Average hot (HCY) and cooled (CCY) carcass yields of ED<sub>20</sub> and CCD rations were comparable (p > 0.05) and significantly higher than those of ED<sub>10</sub> ration (p = 0.009) and 0.003). Average drumstick and neck weights were significantly higher and lower for CCD, ED<sub>20</sub> and ED<sub>10</sub> (p 0.05). For all other parts of the cut, the average weights of the CCD ration were significantly higher (p 0.05) than those of the ED<sub>20</sub> and ED<sub>10</sub> rations, which were homogeneous (p 0.05). The incorporation of mango provender and mango seed flour in broiler rations offers the prospect of reduced production costs, less competition between man and animals over cereals, and lean meat production that is more appreciated than that of chickens fed conventional feed. As it stands, the ED<sub>20</sub> ration can be recommended as a growth diet for broilers. It would be necessary to determine the levels of anti-nutritional substances in mango feeds and to assess the in vivo digestibility of mango ingredients and the diets incorporating them.
文摘The optimum levels of Lysine and Glutamine needed for growth performance and maintenance of the chicken broilers were evaluated in a randomized 3 × 4 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. The battery cages measured 99 × 66 × 25 cm that can be sufficient for 5 birds. Day old Chicken broilers totaling 180 were assigned to dietary treatments comprising of 3 concentrations of Lysine (0.85, 1.14, and 1.42) each in combination with 4 concentrations of Glutamine (0, 1, 2, and 3). Each dietary treatment was replicated 3 times and each replication had 5 birds. The birds were given feed and water ad libitum with a 23-hour light regimen for a period of 4 weeks. Then, the experimental birds were evaluated for body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion in order to determine their optimum requirement for dietary Lysine and Glutamine. Based on the findings of this study, the highest performance was observed in birds fed the diet supplemented with 1.42 lysine and 1% glutamine, but the highest improvement in feed conversion was observed in diet contain 1.14 and 1.42 with 1% and 3% glutamine, respectively. Birds fed 1.42 lysine and 1% glutamine had the highest total body weight gain and feed consumption. The lysine requirements in the diet for Chicken are between 1.14 and 1.42 with glutamine level of 1%.
文摘The accumulation of growth-promoting antibiotic residues in animal products and the resistance developed by bacteria in poultry farms has led to a search for natural compounds derived from plants. This study was designed to promote the production performance of broiler chickens using fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves infusion. Fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves were harvested, washed, chopped and ground to a paste using a blender and fermented for three days in a closed container at a rate of 500 g/L of water. The solution obtained was filtered and added at the rate of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ml/L of drinking water. The chickens fed on the graded level of the solution were compared to a control ration without an additive and positive control group supplemented with 1 g antibiotic/kg feed. At the finisher phase and throughout the study period, water intake increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of infusion. Feed intake decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with 2 and 4 ml of infusion/L drinking water. Live weight and weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) higher with 6 ml/L, while feed conversion significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with the same treatment compared with the control treatment without additives (T0). Carcass characteristics were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the inclusion of Cupressus sempervirens infusion. Haematological parameters significantly (P < 0.05) increase independently of the rate of incorporation of the infusion into the drinking water, with the exception of RBCs, MCHT and PCT. Serum content in total protein, globulins, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (P < 0.05) high with 8 and 10 ml Cupressus sempervirens infusion/litre drinking water as compared to all other treatments. AST, ALT, urea, creatine, albumin, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were not significantly affected. The lactic acid bacteria load increased significantly (P E. coli and salmonella counts decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with infusion compared to the control without additive. In conclusion, 6 ml of Cupressus sempervirens infusion can be used as an alternative to antibiotic feed additives to promote growth performance in broilers.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32002195)Zhejiang Provincial Leading Innovation and Entrepreneurship Team Project(No.2020R01015)+1 种基金“Leading Geese”Research and Development Plan of Zhejiang Province(No.2022C02059)Key R&D Projects of Zhejiang Province(No.2021C02013)。
文摘Background Dietary bamboo leaf flavonoids(BLFs)are rarely used in poultry production,and it is unknown whether they influence meat texture profile,perceived color,or microstructure.Results A total of 720 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were supplemented with a basal diet with 20 mg bacitracin/kg,50 mg BLFs/kg,or 250 mg BLFs/kg or without additions.Data showed that the dietary BLFs significantly(P<0.05)changed growth performance and the texture profile.In particular,BLFs increased birds’average daily gain and average daily feed intake,decreased the feed:gain ratio and mortality rate,improved elasticity of breast meat,enhanced the gumminess of breast and leg meat,and decreased the hardness of breast meat.Moreover,a significant(P<0.05)increase in redness(a*)and chroma(c*)of breast meat and c*and water-holding capacity of leg meat was found in BLF-supplemented broilers compared with control broilers.In addition,BLFs supplementation significantly decreased(P<0.05)theβ-sheet ratio and serum malondialdehyde and increased theβ-turn ratio of protein secondary structure,superoxide dismutase,and glutathione peroxidase of breast meat and total antioxidant capacity and catalase of serum.Based on the analysis of untargeted metabolome,BLFs treatment considerably altered 14 metabolites of the breast meat,including flavonoids,amino acids,and organic acids,as well as phenolic and aromatic compounds.Conclusions Dietary BLFs supplementation could play a beneficial role in improving meat quality and sensory color in the poultry industry by changing protein secondary structures and modulating metabolites.
基金supported by The National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFD1300301/2021YFD1300303)The Special Basic Research Fund for Central Public Research Institutes(2021-YWF-ZYSQ-06)+1 种基金The Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program(ASTIP)in CAAS and its key projects(CAAS-ZDRW202111)The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project(ASTIP-IAS-12)。
文摘Background Growth-promoting antibiotics have been banned by law in the livestock and poultry breeding industry in many countries.Various alternatives to antibiotics have been investigated for using in livestock.Epimedium(EM)is an herb rich in flavonoids that has many beneficial effects on animals.Therefore,this study was planned to explore the potential of EM as a new alternative antibiotic product in animal feed.Methods A total of 7201-day-old male broilers(Arbor Acres Plus)were randomly divided into six groups and fed basal diet(normal control;NC),basal diet supplemented with antibiotic(75 mg/kg chlortetracycline;CTC),and basal diet supplemented with 100,200,400 or 800 mg/kg EM extract for 6 weeks(EM100,EM200,EM400 and EM800 groups).The growth performance at weeks 3 and 6 was measured.Serum,intestinal tissue and feces were collected to assay for antioxidant indexes,intestinal permeability,lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)profiles,microbial composition,and expression of intestinal barrier genes.Results The average daily feed intake in CTC group at 1-21 d was significantly higher than that in the NC group,and had no statistical difference with EM groups.Compared with NC group,average daily gain in CTC and EM200 groups increased significantly at 1-21 and 1-42 d.Compared with NC group,EM200 and EM400 groups had significantly decreased levels of lipopolysaccharide and D-lactic acid in serum throughout the study.The concentrations of lactic acid,acetic acid,propionic acid,butyric acid and SCFAs in feces of birds fed 200 mg/kg EM diet were significantly higher than those fed chlortetracycline.The dietary supplementation of chlortetracycline and 200 mg/kg EM significantly increased ileal expression of SOD1,Claudin-1 and ZO-1 genes.Dietary supplemented with 200 mg/kg EM increased the relative abundances of g_NK4A214_group and Lactobacillus in the jejunal,while the relative abundances of Microbacterium,Kitasatospora,Bacteroides in the jejunal and Gallibacterium in the ileum decreased.Conclusion Supplementation with 200 mg/kg EM extract improved the composition of intestinal microbiota by regulating the core bacterial genus Lactobacillus,and increased the concentration of beneficial metabolites lactic acid and SCFAs in the flora,thereby improving the antioxidant capacity and intestinal permeability,enhancing the function of tight junction proteins.These beneficial effects improved the growth performance of broilers.
基金the China Agriculture Research System program(CARS-41-G11).
文摘Background In broiler chickens,necrotic enteritis(NE)infection can reduce production performance.Tannic acid has shown great potential as a treatment of NE in broilers.However,the appropriate dosage of tannic acid in NE of broilers and the improvement effect on intestinal health are not very clear.In this study,we aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of tannic acid on the production performance,immunity,and intestinal health of broilers by constructing an NE model with C.perfringens infection and determining the appropriate dosage of tannic acid with regard to NE.Results Challenged birds showed significant reduction in body weight,villus height,and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(P<0.05)and increase in the feed consumption gain ratio,intestinal lesion score,and crypt depth(P<0.05).The infection significantly reduced the relative Bacteroidota and Ligilactobacillus abundance(P<0.05)and increased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota and cecal content of C.perfringens(P<0.05).Challenged birds fed diets supplemented with tannic acid showed significantly increased mRNA expression of nutrient transport carriers and intestinal barrier genes and growth performance and reduced serum zonulin and endotoxin levels(P<0.05).Addi-tion of tannic acid to the diet inhibited the inflammatory response by reducing the number of coccidia oocysts in feces and the content of C.perfringens in the cecum.Specifically,tannic acid reduced the serum levels of C reactive protein,myeloperoxidase,and specific IgY and ileal mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A levels in the ileal mucosa compared with those in the NE-infected birds.NE-infected birds fed diets supplemented with tannic acid also showed significantly increased relative Anaerocolumna,Thermoanaerobacterium,and Thermosinus abundance(P<0.05);their microbial composition and functional predictions were similar to those of the NC group.Conclusions Tannic acid in the diet alleviated NE by enhancing the intestinal barrier and absorption function.The recommended dietary tannic acid additive level is 500–750 mg/kg.Our study findings would be useful in reducing related economic losses in the broiler industry.
基金supported by the grant from Talent Plan of Zaozhuang City(2022),Shandong,China.The company had no role in conducting the research,generating the data,interpreting the results,or writing the manuscript。
文摘Background:Preventing Salmonella infection and colonization in young birds is key to improving poultry gut health and reducing Salmonella contamination of poultry products and decreasing salmonellosis for human consumption(poultry meat and eggs).Probiotics can improve poultry health.The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of a probiotics,Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 11181(E.faecium NCIMB 11181)on the intestinal mucosal immune responses,microbiome and barrier function in the presence or absence of Salmonella Typhimurium(S.Typh-imurium,ST)infection.Methods:Two hundred and forty 1-day-old Salmonella-free male broiler chickens(Arbor Acres AA+)were randomly allocated to four groups with 6 replicate cages of 10 birds each.The four experimental groups were follows:(1)nega-tive control(NC),(2)S.Typhimurium,challenged positive control(PC),(3)the E.faecium NCIMB 11181-treated group(EF),(4)the E.faecium NCIMB 11181-treated and S.Typhimurium-challenged group(PEF).Results:Results indicated that,although continuous feeding E.faecium NCIMB 11181 did not obviously alleviate growth depression caused by S.Typhimurium challenge(P>0.05),E.faecium NCIMB 11181 addition significantly blocked Salmonella intestinal colonization and translocation(P<0.05).Moreover,supplemental E.faecium NCIMB 11181 to the infected chickens remarkably attenuated gut morphological structure damage and intestinal cell apoptosis induced by S.Typhimurium infection,as evidenced by increasing gut villous height and reducing intes-tinal TUNEL-positive cell numbers(P<0.05).Also,E.faecium NCIMB 11181 administration notably promoting the production of anti-Salmonella antibodies in intestinal mucosa and serum of the infected birds(P<0.05).Addition-ally,16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that E.faecium NCIMB 11181 supplementation ameliorated S.Typhimu-rium infection-induced gut microbial dysbiosis by enriching Lachnospiracease and Alistipes levels,and suppressing Barnesiella abundance.Predicted function analysis indicated that the functional genes of cecal microbiome involved in C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism;valine,leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis;glycerolipid metabolism and lysine biosynthesis were enriched in the infected chickens given E.faecium NCIMB 11181.While alanine,asparate and glutamate metabolism;MAPK signal pathway-yeast;ubiquine and other terpenoid-quinore biosynthesis,protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum;as well as glutathione metabolism were suppressed by E.faecium NCIMB 11181 addition.Conclusion:Collectively,our data suggested that dietary E.faecium NCIBM 11181 supplementation could ameliorate S.Typhimurium infection-induced gut injury in broiler chickens.Our findings also suggest that E.faecium NCIMB 11181 may serve as an effective non-antibiotic feed additive for improving gut health and controlling Salmonella infection in broiler chickens.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31872390)the Modern Feed Industry Innovation Team Project of Guangdong Province(No.2021KJ115)。
文摘Background Salmonella Typhimurium challenge causes a huge detriment to chicken production.N-acyl homoserine lactonase(AHLase),a quorum quenching enzyme,potentially inhibits the growth and virulence of Gram-negative bacteria.However,it is unknown whether AHLase can protect chickens against S.Typhimurium challenge.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of AHLase on growth performance and intestinal health in broilers challenged by S.Typhimurium.A total of 240 one-day-old female crossbred broilers(817C)were randomly divided into 5 groups(6 replicates/group):negative control(NC),positive control(PC),and PC group supplemented with 5,10 or 20 U/g AHLase.All birds except those in NC were challenged with S.Typhimurium from 7 to 9 days of age.All parameters related to growth and intestinal health were determined on d 10 and 14.Results The reductions(P<0.05)in body weight(BW)and average daily gain(ADG)in challenged birds were alleviated by AHLase addition especially at 10 U/g.Thus,samples from NC,PC and PC plus 10 U/g AHLase group were selected for further analysis.S.Typhimurium challenge impaired(P<0.05)intestinal morphology,elevated(P<0.05)ileal inflammatory cytokines(IL-1βand IL-8)expression,and increased(P<0.05)serum diamine oxidase(DAO)activity on d 10.However,AHLase addition normalized these changes.Gut microbiota analysis on d 10 showed that AHLase reversed the reductions(P<0.05)in several beneficial bacteria(e.g.Bacilli,Bacillales and Lactobacillales),along with increases(P<0.05)in certain harmful bacteria(e.g.Proteobacteria,Gammaproteobacteria,Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia/Shigel a)in PC group.Furthermore,AHLase-induced increased beneficial bacteria and decreased harmful bacteria were basically negatively correlated(P<0.05)with the reductions of ileal IL-1βand IL-8 expression and serum DAO activity,but positively correlated(P<0.05)with the increased BW and ADG.Functional prediction revealed that AHLase abolished S.Typhimurium-induced upregulations(P<0.05)of certain pathogenicity-related pathways such as lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis,shigellosis,bacterial invasion of epithelial cells and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection of gut microbiota.Conclusions Supplemental AHLase attenuated S.Typhimurium-induced growth retardation and intestinal disruption in broilers,which could be associated with the observed recovery of gut microbiota dysbiosis.
基金supported by the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program(ASTIP)of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences,and Trouw Nutrition Research&Development Centers.
文摘Background:High stocking density(HSD)stress has detrimental effects on growth performance,intestinal barrier function,and intestinal microbiota in intensive animal production.Organic acids(OA)are widely used as feed addi-tives for their ability to improve growth performance and intestinal health in poultry.However,whether dietary OA can ameliorate HSD stress-induced impaired intestinal barrier in broilers remains elusive.In this study,a total of 528 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 12 replicates per treatment including 10 birds for normal stocking density and 17 birds for HSD.The dietary treatments were as follows:1)Normal stocking density+basal diet;2)HSD+basal diets;3)HSD+OA.Results:HSD stress can induce increased levels of serum corticosterone,lipopolysaccharides,interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,and down-regulated mRNA expression of ZO-1,resulting in compromised growth performance of broilers(P<0.05).Dietary OA could significantly reduce levels of serum corticosterone,lipopolysaccharides,interleukin-1β,and tumor necrosis factor-α,which were accompanied by up-regulated interleukin-10,mRNA expres-sion of ZO-1,and growth performance(P<0.05).Moreover,OA could down-regulate the mRNA expression of TLR4 and MyD88 to inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway(P<0.05).Additionally,HSD stress significantly decreased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and disturbed the balance of microbial ecosystems,whereas OA significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and restored the disordered gut microbiota by reducing competitive and exploita-tive interactions in microbial communities(P<0.05).Meanwhile,OA significantly increased the content of acetic and butyric acids,which showed significant correlations with intestinal inflammation indicators(P<0.05).Conclusions:Dietary OA ameliorated intestinal inflammation and growth performance of broilers through restor-ing the disordered gut microbial compositions and interactions induced by HSD and elevating short-chain fatty acid production to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.These findings demonstrated the critical role of intestinal microbiota in mediating the HSD-induced inflammatory responses,contributing to exploring nutritional strategies to alleviate HSD-induced stress in animals.
基金the earmarked fund for Jiangsu Agricultural Industry Technology System(JATS[2021]403)Su Xi Broiler Industry Cluster Project(2022)。
文摘Background:Research on nutrition in early-life commonly focuses on the maturation of the intestine because the intestinal system is crucial for ensuring continued growth.To explore the importance of early nutrition regulation in animals,soy protein concentrate(SPC)was added to the early diet of broilers to investigate its effects on amino acid digestibility,intestinal development,especially intestinal microorganisms,and broiler metabolites.A total of 192 oneday-old Arbor Acres(AA)male broilers were randomly assigned to two experimental treatments with 8 replicates of 12 birds.The control group was fed a basal diet(control),and the treatment group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 12%SPC(SPC12)during the first 10 d(starter phase).From d 11 to 21(grower phase)and d 22 to 42(finisher phase),a basal diet was fed to both treatment groups.Results:SPC reduced the pH value and acid-binding capacity of the starter diet(P<0.05,d 10);SPC in the early diet enhanced the gizzard weight(P<0.05,d 10 and d 42)and the ileum weight(P<0.05,d 10)and decreased the weight and length of the jejunum(P<0.05,d 10)and the relative length of the duodenum and jejunum(P<0.05,d 10).At the same time,SPC enhanced villus height(P<0.05,d 10)and muscle thickness in the jejunum and ileum(P<0.05,d 10)and increased the number of goblet cells in the duodenum(P<0.05,d 10).Meanwhile,SPC increased the Chao1 index and the ACE index(P<0.05,d 10)and altered the composition of caecal microflora at d 10.SPC also increased the relative abundance of Alistipes,Anaerotruncus,Erysipelatoclostridium,Intestinimonas and Flavonifractor bacteria(P<0.05,d 10).At the same time,the concentrations of caecal butyric acid and total short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)were also increased in the SPC12 group(P<0.05,d 10).Conclusions:In summary,the results showed that supplementing the starter diet of broilers with SPC has a significant effect on the early development of the intestine and the microflora.
基金Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.No funding was used to write this manuscript.
文摘Heat stress is one of the most challenging stressors for animal production due to high economic losses resulting from impaired animal’s productivity,health and welfare.Despite the fact that all farm animal species are susceptible to heat stress,birds and pigs are particularly sensitive to heat stress due to either lacking or non-functional sweat glands.Con-vincing evidence in the literature exists that gut dysbiosis,a term used to describe a perturbation of commensal gut microbiota,develops in broilers and pigs under heat stress.Owing to the protective role of commensal bacteria for the gut barrier,gut dysbiosis causes a disruption of the gut barrier leading to endotoxemia,which contributes to the typical characteristics of heat stressed broilers and growing and growing-finishing pigs,such as reduced feed intake,decreased growth and reduced lean carcass weight.A substantial number of studies have shown that feeding of probiotics,prebiotics and synbiotics is an efficacious strategy to protect broilers from heat stress-induced gut barrier disruption through altering the gut microbiota and promoting all decisive structural,biochemical,and immunologi-cal elements of the intestinal barrier.In most of the available studies in heat stressed broilers,the alterations of gut microbiota and improvements of gut barrier function induced by feeding of either probiotics,prebiotics or synbiot-ics were accompanied by an improved productivity,health and/or welfare when compared to non-supplemented broilers exposed to heat stress.These findings indicate that the restoration of gut homeostasis and function is a key target for dietary interventions aiming to provide at least partial protection of broilers from the detrimental impact of heat stress conditions.Despite the fact that the number of studies dealing with the same feeding strategy in heat stressed pigs is limited,the available few studies suggest that feeding of probiotics might also be a suitable approach to enhance productivity,health and welfare in pigs kept under heat stress conditions.
基金funded in part by a DOE MAGIC grant(DE-EE0007091)USDA grant(2019-69012-29905)Cornell University(Hatch grants NYC-127302)。
文摘Background Docosahexaenoic acid(DHA)and calcidiol could be enriched in chicken for improving public nutrition and health.It remains unclear if supranutritional levels of DHA and calcidiol impair growth performance or metabolism of broiler chickens.This study was to determine singular and combined effects of high levels of supplemental DHA-rich microalgal biomass or oil and calcidiol on growth performance,concentrations of triglycerides,cholesterol,and nonesterfied fatty acids in plasma,liver,breast,and thigh,and biophysical properties of tibia.Methods In Exp.1,144 day-old Cornish chicks were divided into 4 groups(6 cages/treatment,6 birds/cage),and were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet(BD),BD+10,000 IU calcidiol/kg(BD+Cal),BD HA),and BD+1%DHA-rich Aurantiochytrium(1.2 g DHA/kg;BD+D+Cal+DHA for 6 weeks.In Exp.2,180 day-old chicks were divided into5 groups,and were fed:BD,BD+DHA(0.33%to 0.66%oil,1.5 to 3.0 g DHA/kg),BD EPA/kg),BD+DHA+EPA(1.9%to 3.8%eicosapentaenoic acid-rich Nannochloropsis sp.CO18,0.3 to 0.6 g BD+DHA+calcidiol(6000 to 12,000 IU/kg diet),and+DHA+EPA+Cal for 6 weeks.Results Birds fed BD+Cal diet in Exp.1 and BD lower(P+DHA<0.05)+EPA diet in Exp.2 had higher(P<0.05)body weight gain(10%-11%)and gain:feed ratio(7%),and total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in plasma(18%-54%),liver(8%-26%),breast(19%-26%),and thigh(10%-19%),respectively,over the controls.The two diets also improved(P<0.05)tibial breaking strength(8%-24%),total bone volume(2%-13%),and(or)bone mineral density(3%-19%)of chickens.Conclusion Supranutrition of dietary calcidiol and DHA alone or together did not produce adverse effects,but led to moderate improvements of growth performance,lipid profiles of plasma and muscle,and bone properties of broiler chickens.
基金AB Vista(Marlborough,Wiltshire,UK)for providing the feed additives and funding this research。
文摘Background:Two experiments were conducted to establish an optimal NE challenge model and evaluate the efficacy of stimbiotic(STB)supplementation in necrotic enteritis(NE)challenged broilers.In Exp.1,a total of 120 Arbor Acres(AA)broilers(45.0±0.21 g)were randomly assigned to 6 treatments in a 3×2 factorial arrangement.Vaccine treatments included non-challenge(0),×10 the recommended dose(×10)or×20 the recommended dose(×20)by the manufacturer.Clostridium perfringens(CP)treatments were non-challenge(No)or 3 mL of 2.2×10^(7)CFU CP challenge(Yes).In Exp.2,a total of 72 AA broilers(40.17±0.27 g)were randomly assigned to 6 treatments in a 3×2 factorial arrangement.Dietary treatments included non-additive(CON),100 mg/kg STB(STB)and 100 mg/kg STB on top of a typical commercial blend including an essential oil,probiotics,and enzyme(CB).Challenge treatments included non-NE challenge(No)and NE challenge(Yes)as established in Exp.1.Results:In Exp.1,CP and vaccine challenge decreased(P<0.05)body weight(BW),body weight gain(BWG)and feed intake(FI),and increased(P<0.05)the number of broilers with diarrhea and intestinal lesions.The oral administration of×20 recommended dose of vaccines coupled with 3 mL of 2.2×10^(7)CFU CP resulted in(P<0.01)a significantly increased incidence of wet litter and intestinal lesions.Thus,this treatment was chosen as the challenge model for the successful inducement of NE in Exp.2.In Exp.2,the NE challenge negatively affected(P<0.01)growth performance,ileal morphology,immunoglobulin contents in blood,caecal microbiota in the caecum,footpad dermatitis,intestinal lesion scores,tumour necrosis factor(TNF-α)and endotoxin in the serum compared with the non-NE challenged birds.The supplementation of STB and CB in diets enhanced(P<0.05)growth performance,intestinal microbiota,and blood profiles by stimulating ileal morphology(VH and VH:CD)and propionate production in the cecum,and there were no differences in measured variables between STB and CB supplemented birds.Conclusion:Overall,these results indicate that STB supplementation was able to reduce the inflammatory response and improve the performance of NE challenged birds,and the supplementation of STB alone was as effective as a typical commercial blend containing a number of other additives.
基金supported by the Key Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31630073)the Initiation Funds of Yangzhou University for Distinguished Scientists,Chinathe Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(ASTIP-IAS09)。
文摘Osteoblasts are considered as a major factor contributing to bone development and mineralization,however,few studies have been done to establish and evaluate the primary cultured tibial osteoblast model of broiler chicks.Therefore,in the present study,two experiments were conducted to establish and evaluate the primary cultured tibial osteoblast model of broiler chicks.In experiment 1,osteoblasts were isolated from the tibia of one-day-old Arbor Acre male broiler chicks using the explant method and identified through the cell morphology,alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and alizarin red staining.Experiment 2 was carried out to evaluate the vitality and mineralization of primary cultured tibial osteoblasts of broilers on days 4,8,12,16,20,24,28 and 32 after incubation,respectively.The results from experiment 1 demonstrated that primary cultured tibial osteoblasts of broilers showed a spindle-shaped,triangular or polygonal morphology.More than 95%of the cells were stained blue-black after ALP staining,and mineralized nodules were formed after 4 days of continuous incubation.In experiment 2,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)activity stayed at a relatively stabilized level although incubation time affected(P=0.0012)it during the whole culture period.Additionally,incubation time affected(P≤0.0001)the number and proportion of the area of mineralized nodules.They increased linearly and quadratically(P<0.04)with the increase of incubation time,and remained at a stabilized level from 24 to 32 days of incubation.The estimates of the optimal incubation time were 17 and 26 days based on the best fitted broken-line or quadratic models(P<0.0001)of the number and proportion of the area of mineralized nodules,respectively.These results indicate that the primary cultured tibial osteoblast model of broilers has been established successfully by the explant method,and it showed typical osteoblast morphology and characteristics of ALP activity and mineralization,and could maintain a relatively stabilized vitality from 4 to 32 days of incubation;and the optimal incubation time of primary tibial osteoblasts was 17 to 26 days.Therefore,it could be used to further study the underlying mechanisms of bone development and mineralization of broiler chicks.
