Research

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14 pages, 1231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Bacillus licheniformis-Fermented Products on Growth and Productivity in Heat-Stressed Laying Ducks

by Rafiq Ahmad, Yu-Hsiang Yu, Felix Shih-Hsiang Hsiao, Hsiu-Wei Liu, Chin-Hui Su and Yeong-Hsiang Cheng

Animals 2024, 14(8), 1164; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14081164 - 12 Apr 2024

Viewed by 342

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of various concentrations of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) on the growth and productivity of laying ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) subjected to heat stress during eight weeks of a feeding trial. A [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of various concentrations of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) on the growth and productivity of laying ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) subjected to heat stress during eight weeks of a feeding trial. A total of 150 one-day-old Brown Tsaiya ducks of both sexes were divided into five groups, with each group having three replicates and 10 ducks each for evaluation of growth performance. The treatment groups received dietary supplements of BLFP at levels of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%, along with a group receiving flavomycin (F) at 5 ppm, all over a 24-week period. The fermentation process in this study utilized a B. licheniformis strain (ATCC 12713) for the production of the spores through solid-state fermentation. The control group was given a basal diet consisting of yellow corn and soybean meal. The results showed that as compared to the flavomycin group, ducks in the 0.3% BLFP group had significantly higher body weights and better feed conversion rates. In addition, during the three weeks, the BLFP group showed higher feed consumption as compared to the control group. The jejunum villi length was significantly increased in the 0.2% BLPF group as compared to the control and flavomycin groups. This study also found that the flavomycin group had a significantly higher egg conversion rate, while the 0.1–0.3% BLFP groups had improved feed intake and the 0.3% group had significantly enhanced egg yolk color. Additionally, the 0.2% BLFP group showed substantial decreases in IL-1

β

, TNF-

α

, IL-6, and IL-10 levels in the liver as well as an uptick in the tight junction protein Occludin gene expression in the colon when compared to the control group. Furthermore, the expression of the heat shock protein 70 in the gut upregulated in the 0.1% and 0.2% BLFP groups. In conclusion, these observations demonstrate that dietary supplementation of 0.2% BLFP is an ideal concentration to increase gut morphology, alleviate inflammatory response, and promote gut integrity in heat-stressed laying ducks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives, Performance and Welfare in Domestic Animals)

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12 pages, 581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of a Direct Fed Microbial on Liveweight and Milk Production in Dairy Cattle

by Orlando Ramirez-Garzon, John I. Al-Alawneh, David Barber, Huanle Liu and Martin Soust

Animals 2024, 14(7), 1092; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071092 - 03 Apr 2024

Viewed by 452

Abstract

This longitudinal study aimed to quantify the effects of dietary supplementation of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) consisting of three lactobacilli isolates on milk yield, milk fat and protein yields, somatic cell count (SCC), and liveweight in a single dairy herd in Australia. A [...] Read more.

This longitudinal study aimed to quantify the effects of dietary supplementation of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) consisting of three lactobacilli isolates on milk yield, milk fat and protein yields, somatic cell count (SCC), and liveweight in a single dairy herd in Australia. A total of 150 dairy cows were randomly selected based on parity and days in milk and divided into two groups: control (n = 75) and DFM treatment (n = 75). Throughout the study, the two groups of cows were housed separately in a dry lot yard, and each group had their own feeding area. For the DFM treatment group, selected cows in mid-lactation were supplemented with 10 mL/cow/day of the DFM via top dressing of the feed for the remainder of the lactation and through the dry period, extending into subsequent lactation. The control group had no supplementation. The milk yield and liveweight were recorded daily. Milk samples were collected every two months for milk component analysis (fat, protein, and somatic cell count [SCC]). The DFM-treated cows gained more liveweight across the study (19.40 kg, 95% CI 0.44 kg; 38.30 kg, p = 0.05) compared to the control cows. In the second production year, the DFM-treated cows mobilized more liveweight (−6.06 kg, 95% CI −10.49 kg; −1.61 kg, p = 0.01) and produced more milk (0.39 L/d 95% CI 0.10; 0.89, p = 0.05). Over a full lactation, DFM cows yielded at least 258 L (95% CI 252 L; 265 L) more milk than controls. No significant differences were found in fat and protein yield or SCC. This study suggests that consistent and ongoing supplementation with a Lacticaseibacillus- and Lentilactobacillus-based DFM could have a positive effect on milk production, but further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives, Performance and Welfare in Domestic Animals)

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17 pages, 536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Supplementations of Vitamin C, Organic Selenium, Betaine, and Pomegranate Peel on Alleviating the Effect of Heat Stress on Growing Rabbits

by Salma H. Abu Hafsa, Gerardo Centoducati, Ayman A. Hassan, Aristide Maggiolino, Mona M. M. Y. Elghandour and Abdelfattah Z. M. Salem

Animals 2024, 14(6), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060950 - 19 Mar 2024

Viewed by 729

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the biological activity and sustainable biorefinery development of vitamin C, organic selenium, betaine, and pomegranate peel on the performance, cecal fermentation, and antioxidant status of growing rabbits to alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress. [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate the biological activity and sustainable biorefinery development of vitamin C, organic selenium, betaine, and pomegranate peel on the performance, cecal fermentation, and antioxidant status of growing rabbits to alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress. A total of 105 male rabbits at 35 days old with an average weight of 752.55 ± 27.56 g were randomly assigned to five groups (21 rabbits in each). The experimental dietary groups included a control group fed a basal diet without additives (control group) and four treated groups, A, B, C, and D, fed a basal diet supplemented with either a 1000 mg vitamin C/kg diet, a 25 mg organic selenium/kg diet, a 1000 mg betaine/kg diet, or a 20 g pomegranate peel/kg diet, respectively. No negative group (not heat-stressed) was included in the trial. Rabbits given A, B, C, and D supplements showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in growth performance, nutrient digestion, concentration of total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetic, and propionic acids, and total bacterial count, and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in NH₃-N concentration, Enterococcus, coliforms, and E. coli counts in the cecum of rabbits. Total protein, albumin, globulin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in groups supplemented with A, B, C, and D supplements compared to those in the control group. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, urea, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in groups supplemented with A, B, C, and D supplements compared to those in the control group. In conclusion, the finding showed that the supplementation of vitamin C, organic selenium, betaine, and pomegranate peel played a significant role in alleviating heat stress and had a further beneficial impact on rabbit performance, cecal fermentation and microbiota, and antioxidant status. However, betaine supplementation had a superior positive effect on the nutritional and physiological profile of heat-stressed rabbits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives, Performance and Welfare in Domestic Animals)

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16 pages, 3482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Tetrabasic Zinc Chloride on the Diarrhea Rate, Intestinal Morphology, Immune Indices and Microflora of Weaned Piglets

by Shuyu Peng, Nan Zhang, Tuan Zhang, Yu Zhang, Shuang Dong, Huiyun Wang, Cong Xu and Chunlin Wang

Animals 2024, 14(5), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050737 - 27 Feb 2024

Viewed by 621

Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary zinc sources on the diarrhea rate, intestinal morphology, immune indexes and intestinal microbial composition of weaned piglets. A total of 240 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire), at the age of [...] Read more.

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary zinc sources on the diarrhea rate, intestinal morphology, immune indexes and intestinal microbial composition of weaned piglets. A total of 240 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire), at the age of 21 days, were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments for a four-week feeding trial to determine the effects of different amounts of tetrabasic zinc chloride (TBZC) supplementation on intestinal morphology, intestinal immune indices and intestinal microflora in weaned piglets, compared with the pharmacological dose of ZnO. The dietary treatments included a negative control (CON), (T1) ZnO (ZnO, 1500 mg/kg), (T2) tetrabasic zinc chloride (TBZC, 800 mg/kg), (T3) tetrabasic zinc chloride (TBZC, 1000 mg/kg), and (T4) tetrabasic zinc chloride (TBZC, 1200 mg/kg). Each treatment comprised six replicate pens, with eight pigs (four barrows and four gilts) per pen. Dietary TBZC of 1200 mg/kg improved the duodenum villus height, jejunum villus height and crypt depth of ileum, and increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of ileum (p < 0.05). The dietary supplementation of TBZC at a dosage of 1200 mg/kg has the potential to increase the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the duodenal mucosa. Furthermore, it shows a significant increase in the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the ileum. Compared with CON, TBZC significantly (p < 0.05) decreased pH values of stomach contents. It also increased the number of Firmicutes in intestinal contents. Compared with CON, the abundance of Firmicutes in jejunum contents of other treatments was significantly improved (p < 0.05), while the abundance of Proteobacteria in ileum contents of high-zinc treatments (T2 and T5) was decreased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary TBZC of 1200 mg/kg improved the digestibility of crude protein in weaned piglets, altered the intestinal morphology of piglets, changed the intestinal microflora of piglets, reduced the diarrhea rate, and significantly improved the development of the small intestine of weaned piglets, and its regulation mechanism on intestinal tract needs further study. In summary, TBZC is likely to be an effective substitute source for the pharmacological dose of ZnO to control diarrhea in weaned piglets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives, Performance and Welfare in Domestic Animals)

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17 pages, 3385 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Lycopene on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Meat Quality, Intestine Histomorphology, and Cecal Microbiota in Broiler Chickens

by Hongzhi Wu, Sibo Wang, Jiajun Xie, Fengjie Ji, Weiqi Peng, Jinyu Qian, Qian Shen and Guanyu Hou

Animals 2024, 14(2), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020203 - 08 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1038

Abstract

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of dietary lycopene on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, intestine histomorphology, and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens. We randomly divided five hundred and seventy-six one-day-old male broilers into four groups each with six replicates [...] Read more.

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of dietary lycopene on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, intestine histomorphology, and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens. We randomly divided five hundred and seventy-six one-day-old male broilers into four groups each with six replicates and 24 chickens in each replicate. The control group (CG) was fed the basal diet, and the other groups were given powder lycopene of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg lycopene (LP10, LP20, and LP30, respectively). Compared with the control group, (1) the dietary lycopene increased (p = 0.001) the average daily gain and decreased (p = 0.033) the feed conversion ratio in the experimental groups; (2) the glutathione peroxidase enzyme contents in LP20 were higher (p =< 0.001) in myocardium; (3) the crude protein contents were higher (p = 0.007) in the group treated with 30 mg/kg dietary lycopene; (4) the jejunum villous height was higher (p = 0.040) in LP20; (5) the Unclassified-f-Ruminococcaceae relative abundance was significantly higher (p = 0.043) in LP20. In this study, adding 20 mg/kg dietary lycopene to the broiler chickens’ diets improved the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, intestine histomorphology, and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives, Performance and Welfare in Domestic Animals)

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13 pages, 255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Protease in Soybean Meal-Reduced Diets on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Intestinal Health of Weaned Piglets

by Junhong Zhang, Chunxiang Zhou, Honglei Zou, Bin Li, Bing Yu, Jun He, Ping Zheng, Xiangbing Mao, Hui Yan, Junqiu Luo, Yuheng Luo, Jinyong Chen and Jie Yu

Animals 2024, 14(1), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010101 - 27 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 818

Abstract

This experiment was conducted in weaned piglets to determine the effects of exogenous protease to low soybean meal (SBM) diets on growth performance, diarrhea rate, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology. Seventy-two Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire weaned barrows (21-day-old, 5.88 ± 0.95 kg) [...] Read more.

This experiment was conducted in weaned piglets to determine the effects of exogenous protease to low soybean meal (SBM) diets on growth performance, diarrhea rate, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology. Seventy-two Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire weaned barrows (21-day-old, 5.88 ± 0.95 kg) were randomly divided into four treatments with six replicates in each following a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of SBM levels (0 to 14 d, 9%, 7.5%; 15 to 42 d, 20%, 18.5%) and protease (0 or 150 mg/kg) for a 42-day trial. Fecal samples were collected on days 11 to 14 and 38 to 42 of the experiment, and serum, intestinal tissue, and chyme samples were taken at the end of the experiments. Adding protease in low SBM diets had a significant increase in ADG (p < 0.05) and a decrease in F/G (p < 0.05). Protease significantly reduced the diarrhea rate (p < 0.05). Low SBM level decreased the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP) and ash (p < 0.05) but increased the ATTD of dry matter (DM), ash, organic matter (OM), and CP after the addition of protease (p < 0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of aspartic acid (Asp), threonine (Thr), serine (Ser), alanine (Ala), lysine (Lys), and total amino acids (AAs) were significantly increased by protease supplementation (p < 0.05). Both the SBM-reduced and protease-added diets lead to lower albumin (ALB), albumin/globulin (A/G), and urea nitrogen (UREA) (p < 0.05), but greater globulin (GLOB) with low SBM diets (p < 0.05). The SBM-reduced and protease-added diets decreased the duodenum pH, respectively (p < 0.05). The protease increased the villus:crypt (V:C) in the duodenum and ileum, and ileal villus length (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of 150 mg/kg protease improved the intestinal health and performance of the weaned piglets and reversed the negative effect of a 1.5% SBM reduction in nutrient utilization, intestinal pH, and intestinal morphological parameters of weaned piglets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives, Performance and Welfare in Domestic Animals)

15 pages, 1937 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytobiotic-Prebiotic Feed Additive Containing a Combination of Carob Pulp, Chicory, and Fenugreek Improve Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Fecal Microbiota of Fattening Pigs

by Ákos Juhász, Viviána Molnár-Nagy, Zsófia Bata, Ko-Hua Tso and Katalin Posta

Animals 2023, 13(23), 3621; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13233621 - 23 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1021

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a phytobiotic-prebiotic feed additive (PPFA, which contains a combination of chicory and extracts of carob pulp and fenugreek) in the diets of fattening pigs on growth indicators, carcass characteristics, and fecal microbiota. [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a phytobiotic-prebiotic feed additive (PPFA, which contains a combination of chicory and extracts of carob pulp and fenugreek) in the diets of fattening pigs on growth indicators, carcass characteristics, and fecal microbiota. A total of 329 crossbred pigs were randomly divided into two dietary treatments, including a basal diet without additives as the control group and a basal diet supplemented with 1 kg/T PPFA as the trial group. The PPFA supplementation led to a significant increase in the body weight gain and average daily gain of the trial group compared to those of the control group after 70 days of feeding. Through the S-EUROP evaluation system, we also found that the fattening pigs fed PPFA significantly improved their carcass indicators. Furthermore, it was shown that PPFA regulated porcine intestinal microbiota, including promoting the growth of the beneficial commensal bacteria (i.e., Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) while inhibiting some potential pathogen bacteria (i.e., Bacteroidaceae and Campylobacteraceae). Our work revealed that the phytobiotic-prebiotic feed additive containing carob pulp, chicory, and fenugreek positively influences the intestinal microbiota, growth performance, and carcass traits in fattening swine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives, Performance and Welfare in Domestic Animals)

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15 pages, 1279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Platycladus orientalis Leaf Extract on the Growth Performance, Fur-Production, Serum Parameters, and Intestinal Microbiota of Raccoon Dogs

by Xiao Li, Xiaoli Chen, Weitao Yuan, Xiuli Zhang, Aipeng Mao, Weigang Zhao, Naiquan Yao, Xuming Deng and Chao Xu

Animals 2023, 13(19), 3151; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13193151 - 09 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1134

Abstract

Platycladus orientalis leaves are rich in flavonoids and polysaccharides, which offer high medicinal and nutritional benefits. This study aimed to investigate the impact of P. orientalis leaf extract (PLE) on the growth performance, fur quality, serum parameters, and intestinal microbiota of raccoon dogs. [...] Read more.

Platycladus orientalis leaves are rich in flavonoids and polysaccharides, which offer high medicinal and nutritional benefits. This study aimed to investigate the impact of P. orientalis leaf extract (PLE) on the growth performance, fur quality, serum parameters, and intestinal microbiota of raccoon dogs. Sixty healthy male black raccoon dogs, aged 85 (±5) days, were randomly assigned to four groups and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 g/kg PLE for 125 days (designated as groups P0, P1, P2, and P3, respectively). The results revealed that the raccoon dogs in group P1 exhibited increased average daily gain and underfur length while showing a decreased feed/gain ratio compared to group P0 (p < 0.05). However, the heart index in group P2 was significantly lower than in group P0 (p < 0.05), and the kidney index and serum alanine aminotransferase activities in group P3 were higher than in groups P2 and P0 (p < 0.05), suggesting potential adverse effects at higher PLE dosages. Notably, dietary PLE supplementation led to a reduction in serum glucose concentrations (p < 0.05), which may have implications for glucose regulation. Furthermore, the study explored the impact of dietary supplementation with 0.25 g/kg PLE on the raccoon dogs’ intestinal microbiota using high-throughput sequencing. The results showed significant alterations in the microbial community structure, with a notable decrease in the abundance of Prevotella copri in response to 0.25 g/kg PLE supplementation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing raccoon dogs’ diet with 0.25 g/kg PLE can lead to improved growth performance and a positive influence on the intestinal microbiota. However, caution should be exercised regarding higher dosages, as they may have adverse effects on certain parameters. As a result, PLE holds promise as a potential feed additive for fur animal production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives, Performance and Welfare in Domestic Animals)

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19 pages, 1731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diet Preference, Feed Efficiency and Expression of the Sodium-Dependent Glucose Transporter Isoform 1 and Sweet Taste Receptors in the Jejunum of Lambs Supplemented with Different Flavours

by Felista Mwangi, Areen Dallasheh, Mugagga Kalyesubula, Naama Reicher, Chris Sabastian and Sameer J. Mabjeesh

Animals 2023, 13(8), 1417; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13081417 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1946

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of dietary flavour supplements on the preference, feed efficiency and expression of the sweet taste receptor family 1 members 2 and 3 (T1R2 + T1R3), and sodium-glucose linked transporter 1 (SGLT1) genes in the [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effect of dietary flavour supplements on the preference, feed efficiency and expression of the sweet taste receptor family 1 members 2 and 3 (T1R2 + T1R3), and sodium-glucose linked transporter 1 (SGLT1) genes in the lambs’ small intestines. Eight, five-month-old, Israeli crossbred Assaf lambs were offered 16 different non-nutritive commercial flavours in rolled barley and ground corn. Capsicum and sucram were the most preferred non-aroma flavours (p = 0.020), while milky (p < 0.001) was the most preferred powder-aroma flavour. For the metabolic and relative gene expression study, eight lambs were randomly assigned to either sucram, capsicum, a mix containing sucram and capsicum at 1:1 ratio or no flavour for control in a 4 × 2 cross-over design. The total collection of urine (females only), faeces and refusals was carried out, and T1R2, T1R3 and SGLT1 relative gene expression evaluated from the proximal jejunum biopsies. Flavour had no significant effect on the feed intake (p = 0.934), but capsicum increased the average daily weight gain per metabolic body weight (p = 0.049). The T1R3 gene was expressed highest in the mix treatment (1.7; p = 0.005). Collectively, our findings indicate that flavours can be used to motivate feed acceptance and improve the weight gain in lambs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives, Performance and Welfare in Domestic Animals)

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Review

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21 pages, 401 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Vitamins in Mitigating the Effects of Various Stress Factors in Pigs Breeding

by Grzegorz Smołucha, Anna Steg and Maria Oczkowicz

Animals 2024, 14(8), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14081218 - 18 Apr 2024

Viewed by 344

Abstract

Good practices in farm animal care are crucial for upholding animal well-being, efficiency, and health. Pigs, like other farm animals, are exposed to various stressors, including environmental, nutritional, chemical, psychological, physiological, and metabolic stressors, which can disrupt their internal balance and compromise their [...] Read more.

Good practices in farm animal care are crucial for upholding animal well-being, efficiency, and health. Pigs, like other farm animals, are exposed to various stressors, including environmental, nutritional, chemical, psychological, physiological, and metabolic stressors, which can disrupt their internal balance and compromise their well-being. Oxidative stress can adversely affect animal performance, fertility, and immunity, leading to economic losses for farmers. Dietary considerations are hugely important in attaining these objectives. This paper reviews studies investigating the impact of additional vitamin supplementation on stress reduction in pigs. Vitamin A can be beneficial in counteracting viral and parasitic threats. Vitamin B can be a potential solution for reproductive issues, but it might also be beneficial in reducing the effects of inappropriate nutrition. Vitamin C plays a vital role in reducing the effects of heat stress or exposure to toxins in pigs. Vitamin D proves to be beneficial in addressing stress induced mostly by infections and weaning, while vitamin E has been shown to mitigate the effects of toxins, heat stress, or transport stress. This review highlights the potential benefits of these dietary antioxidants in maintaining pig health, enhancing productivity, and counteracting the adverse effects of various stressors. Understanding the role of vitamins in pig nutrition and stress management is vital for optimising farm animal welfare and production efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives, Performance and Welfare in Domestic Animals)

24 pages, 1979 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phytogenics in Ginger, Origanum vulgare, and Syzygium aromaticum and Their Potential as a Feed Additive against Clostridium perfringens in Broiler Production

by Gilmour Valdez, Lie-Fen Shyur, Sheng-Yang Wang and Shuen-Ei Chen

Animals 2023, 13(23), 3643; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13233643 - 24 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1756

Abstract

Necrotic enteritis is a devastating disease in chickens mainly caused by Clostridium perfringens—particularly, Net-B toxin-producing strains. In order to combat necrotic enteritis in broiler production, natural growth promoters, as well as anti-inflammatory and non-antibiotic remedies, were developed for anti-microbial resistance due to [...] Read more.

Necrotic enteritis is a devastating disease in chickens mainly caused by Clostridium perfringens—particularly, Net-B toxin-producing strains. In order to combat necrotic enteritis in broiler production, natural growth promoters, as well as anti-inflammatory and non-antibiotic remedies, were developed for anti-microbial resistance due to its status as a global pandemic. Herein, phytogenic ginger, wild marjoram, and cloves were reviewed as potential alternatives to antibiotics for their anti-microbial functions. These phytogenics contain active ingredients that efficiently modulate the immune response and improve intestinal morphology and overall growth performance, even under stress and infection conditions. Most of the beneficial effects can be attributed to their anti-inflammatory functions, primarily the inhibition of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Phytogenics and their active ingredients represent potential substitutes for antibiotic growth promoters, further serving as anti-microbial remedies in the treatment of birds with infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives, Performance and Welfare in Domestic Animals)

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23 pages, 618 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chemical Composition and Functional Properties of Spray-Dried Animal Plasma and Its Contributions to Livestock and Pet Health: A Review

by Katarzyna Kazimierska and Wioletta Biel

Animals 2023, 13(15), 2484; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13152484 - 01 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2172

Abstract

Spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) is a functional ingredient derived from healthy animal blood, used as a nutritional additive in livestock and pet nutrition. SDAP is rich in macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds such as immunoglobulins, albumin, growth factors, peptides, transferrin, and enzymes. This [...] Read more.

Spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) is a functional ingredient derived from healthy animal blood, used as a nutritional additive in livestock and pet nutrition. SDAP is rich in macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds such as immunoglobulins, albumin, growth factors, peptides, transferrin, and enzymes. This review focuses on the chemical composition of SDAP from porcine, bovine, and poultry sources, including protein quality and mineral profile. SDAP enhances performance and health in monogastric farm animals, aquaculture, and pets. It promotes growth rates and feed intake due to its high digestibility and superior amino acid profile compared to other protein sources. In pigs, SDAP’s positive effects stem from tissue-specific actions in the gastrointestinal tract, impacting digestion, immunity, and barrier function. For poultry, SDAP shows promise as a substitute for antibiotic growth promoters, particularly in chick starter diets. SDAP contains functional proteins that regulate immune response, enhance intestinal health, and aid in stress conditions. It is also used as a binder in pet food, providing high protein content and other desirable properties. SDAP meets the dietary requirements of carnivorous pets, appealing to owners seeking animal-derived protein sources. Additionally, SDAP may help prevent cognitive impairment in senior dogs and cats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives, Performance and Welfare in Domestic Animals)

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