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10 pages, 274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Hydrolyzed Gallotannin on Growth Performance, Immune Function, and Antioxidant Capacity of Yellow-Feather Broilers

by Yuxin Tong, Ying Lin, Bin Di, Guofeng Yang, Jiayi He, Changkang Wang and Pingting Guo

Animals 2022, 12(21), 2971; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12212971 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1228

Abstract

Tannins were traditionally considered as anti-nutritional factors in poultry production. Recent studies found that the addition of hydrolyzed gallotannin (HGT) could improve animal health; however, the proper dosage of HGT in chickens’ diet is still unknown. Hence, our study aims to recommend its [...] Read more.

Tannins were traditionally considered as anti-nutritional factors in poultry production. Recent studies found that the addition of hydrolyzed gallotannin (HGT) could improve animal health; however, the proper dosage of HGT in chickens’ diet is still unknown. Hence, our study aims to recommend its optimal dose by exploring the effects of HGT from Chinese gallnuts on the growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant capacity of yellow-feather broilers. A total of 288 male yellow-feather broilers (34.10 ± 0.08 g) were randomly allocated to four diet treatments, the basal diet with 0 (CON), 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg HGT for 63 days, respectively, with six replications per treatment and 12 birds per replication. The growth performance, slaughter performance, immune organ index, liver antioxidant-related indicators, and serum immune-related factors were evaluated. Results show that HGT supplementation did not influence the growth performance of broilers, but the diets supplemented with 300 and 450 mg/kg HGT increased the semi-eviscerated rate. Furthermore, HGT increased the content of liver T-AOC and the ratio of GSH/GSSG, which can protect against oxidative damage of birds. Additionally, supplementing HGT raised the contents of serum IL-10, IL-4, IL-6, IgA, and IgM. In conclusion, diet supplemented with 450 mg/kg HGT may be the optimal to the health of yellow-feather broilers on the whole. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Nonruminant Nutrition, Metabolism, and Gut Microorganisms)

11 pages, 1805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison between Vitamin D₃ and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D₃ on Laying Performance, Eggshell Quality and Ultrastructure, and Plasma Calcium Levels in Late Period Laying Hens

by Xiaoqing Jing, Yiwei Wang, Fulong Song, Xianfeng Xu, Mingkang Liu, Yu Wei, Huiling Zhu, Yulan Liu, Jintao Wei and Xiao Xu

Animals 2022, 12(20), 2824; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12202824 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1499

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare high supplementary doses (125 µg/kg) of vitamin D₃ (VD₃) or 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OHD₃) with commercial supplementary doses (62.5 µg/kg) of VD₃ on laying performance, eggshell quality and ultrastructure, [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to compare high supplementary doses (125 µg/kg) of vitamin D₃ (VD₃) or 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OHD₃) with commercial supplementary doses (62.5 µg/kg) of VD₃ on laying performance, eggshell quality and ultrastructure, and plasma calcium levels in late period laying hens. A total of 1512 Roman Gray (60-week-old) laying hens were allotted into three treatments with 12 replicates and 42 birds in each replicate. During the 12-week trial period, the layers were fed a basal diet supplemented with different doses of VD₃ or 25-OHD₃ (62.5 µg/kg VD₃ in control group, CON; 125 µg/kg VD₃ in high level VD₃ group, VD₃; 125 µg/kg 25-OHD₃ in high level 25-OHD₃ group, 25-OHD₃). The results showed that high supplementary doses of VD₃ or 25-OHD₃ increased laying rate (p < 0.05). Moreover, the layers fed high doses of VD₃ or 25-OHD₃ diets had decreased unqualified egg rate and mortality (p < 0.05). High supplementary doses of VD₃ or 25-OHD₃ increased eggshell strength and eggshell thickness (p < 0.05). From observation in eggshell ultrastructure, high doses of VD₃ or 25-OHD₃ diets increased the palisade layer thickness and mammillary knob density (p < 0.05). Furthermore, high doses of VD₃ or 25-OHD₃ diets increased the calcium levels in plasma (p < 0.05). In summary, compared with 62.5 µg/kg doses of VD₃, supplementary 125 µg/kg doses of VD₃ or 25-OHD₃ improved the laying performance, eggshell quality, and plasma calcium levels in late period laying hens. Additionally, there was an equal effect on laying performance and eggshell quality in the hens fed dietary 125 µg/kg doses of VD₃ or 25-OHD₃. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Nonruminant Nutrition, Metabolism, and Gut Microorganisms)

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12 pages, 2571 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Luteolin and Chrysin Could Prevent E. coli Lipopolysaccharide-Ochratoxin A Combination-Caused Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in In Vitro Porcine Intestinal Model

by Annelie Wohlert, Nikolett Palkovicsné Pézsa, Alma Virág Móritz, Ákos Jerzsele, Orsolya Farkas and Erzsébet Pászti-Gere

Animals 2022, 12(20), 2747; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12202747 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1549

Abstract

Ochratoxin A (OTA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intake can cause gastrointestinal disorders. Polyphenolic chrysin (CHR) and luteolin (LUT) display anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Porcine intestinal epithelial (jejunal) IPEC-J2 cells were treated with OTA (1 µM, 5 µM and 20 µM), E. coli LPS (10 [...] Read more.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intake can cause gastrointestinal disorders. Polyphenolic chrysin (CHR) and luteolin (LUT) display anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Porcine intestinal epithelial (jejunal) IPEC-J2 cells were treated with OTA (1 µM, 5 µM and 20 µM), E. coli LPS (10 µg/mL), CHR (1 µM) and LUT (8.7 µM) alone and in their combinations. Cell viabilities (MTS assay) and extracellular (EC) hydrogen-peroxide (H₂O₂) production (Amplex red method) were evaluated. Intracellular (IC) reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed using a 2′-7′dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) procedure. ELISA assay was used to evaluate IL-6 and IL-8 secretion. OTA decreased cell viabilities (p < 0.001) which could not be alleviated by LUT or CHR (p > 0.05); however, EC H₂O₂ production was successfully suppressed by LUT in IPEC-J2 cells (p < 0.001). OTA with LPS elevated the IC ROS which was counteracted by CHR and LUT (p < 0.001). IL-6 and IL-8 secretion was elevated by LPS + OTA (p < 0.001) which could be inhibited by LUT (p < 0.01 for IL-6; p < 0.001 for IL-8). Based on our results, CHR and LUT exerted beneficial effects on IC ROS levels and on cytokine secretion (LUT) in vitro; thus, they might be used as dietary and feed supplements to avoid OTA- and LPS-related health risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Nonruminant Nutrition, Metabolism, and Gut Microorganisms)

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14 pages, 1663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Long-Term Low-Protein Diets Supplemented with Sodium Dichloroacetate and Glucose on Metabolic Biomarkers and Intestinal Microbiota of Finishing Pigs

by Yetong Xu, Huiyuan Chen, Ke Wan, Zhiru Tang, Weizhong Sun, Liuting Wu, Zhongxiang Ren, Qi Ding, Kaiyang Liang and Zhihong Sun

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2522; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192522 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1246

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-protein (LP) diets supplemented with sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) and glucose (GLUC) on metabolic markers and intestinal microbiota of finishing pigs. A total of 80 crossbred growing barrows were allocated randomly to one [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-protein (LP) diets supplemented with sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) and glucose (GLUC) on metabolic markers and intestinal microbiota of finishing pigs. A total of 80 crossbred growing barrows were allocated randomly to one of the five treatments, including the normal protein level diet (CON), the LP diets, LP with 120 mg/kg DCA (LP + DCA) or 1.8% glucose (LP + GLUC), and LP with 120 mg/kg DCA and 1.8% glucose (LP + DCA + GLUC). The LP diet increased the plasma HDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations and reduced the bile acid, urea nitrogen, albumin, and total protein concentrations compared to the CON diet (p < 0.05). The LP + DCA + GLUC diet reduced the plasma VLDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations and increased the bile acid concentration compared with the LP diet (p < 0.05). Pigs fed the LP + DCA and LP + GLUC diets showed reduced 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase content and increased Cytochrome P450 Family 7 Subfamily A Member 1 activity of liver compared that of the CON diet (p < 0.05). Moreover, the LP diets with or without DCA and GLUC supplementation increased the relative abundance of colonic microbiota related to carbohydrate fermentation in finishing pigs. In conclusion, 120 mg/kg DCA or 1.8% GLUC supplementation in an LP diet modulated the hepatic lipid metabolism of pigs, while the DCA along with GLUC supplementation likely improved the lipid metabolism by stimulating bile acid secretion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Nonruminant Nutrition, Metabolism, and Gut Microorganisms)

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11 pages, 1206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Cardamine violifolia on Plasma Biochemical Parameters, Anti-Oxidative Capacity, Intestinal Morphology, and Meat Quality of Broilers Challenged with Lipopolysaccharide

by Yu Wei, Qingyu Gao, Xiaoqing Jing, Yue Zhang, Huiling Zhu, Xin Cong, Shuiyuan Cheng, Yulan Liu and Xiao Xu

Animals 2022, 12(19), 2497; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192497 - 20 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1394

Abstract

Cardamine violifolia is a newly discovered selenium (Se)-enriched plant rich in MeSeCys and SeCys and has a strong antioxidant capacity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Cardamine violifolia on plasma biochemical indices, antioxidant levels, intestinal morphology, and meat quality of broilers [...] Read more.

Cardamine violifolia is a newly discovered selenium (Se)-enriched plant rich in MeSeCys and SeCys and has a strong antioxidant capacity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Cardamine violifolia on plasma biochemical indices, antioxidant levels, intestinal morphology, and meat quality of broilers under acute LPS-induced oxidative stress by comparing it with inorganic Se (sodaium selenite). A total of 240 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were fed a basal diet and divided into four groups: (1) SeNa-SS, fed a diet supplied with 0.3 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite, and injected with 0.9% sterile saline, (2) SeCv-SS, fed a diet supplied with 0.3 mg/kg Se from Cardamine violifolia, and injected with 0.9% sterile saline, (3) SeNa-LPS, fed a diet supplied with 0.3 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite, and injected with 0.5 mg/kg LPS, (4) SeCv-LPS, fed a diet supplied with 0.3 mg/kg Se from Cardamine violifolia and injected with 0.5 mg/kg LPS. The experiment lasted for 42 days. Sterile saline or LPS was injected intraperitoneally two hours before slaughter, and blood and tissue samples were collected for testing. The results showed that compared with SeNa, SeCv significantly reduced the plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and urea nitrogen after LPS challenge (p < 0.05), and increased the plasma levels of total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase, decreased malondialdehyde content in LPS-challenged broilers (p < 0.05). In addition, compared with SeNa, SeCv supplementation increased villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of jejunum and ileum after LPS challenge (p < 0.05). Additionally, SeCv could increase the redness of breast and thigh muscle, and decrease drip loss, cooking loss, and shear force (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results indicated that supplementing with 0.3 mg/kg Se from Cardamine violifolia alleviated tissue injury after LPS challenge, increased antioxidant capacity, and improved meat quality of breast and thigh muscle after stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Nonruminant Nutrition, Metabolism, and Gut Microorganisms)

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14 pages, 876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Glutamine Supplementation Alleviated Inflammation Responses and Improved Intestinal Mucosa Barrier of LPS-Challenged Broilers

by Bolin Zhang, Qingzhen Zhong, Ning Liu, Peiyong Song, Peng Zhu, Caichao Zhang and Zewei Sun

Animals 2022, 12(13), 1729; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12131729 - 04 Jul 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2238

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of glutamine (Gln) supplementation on intestinal inflammatory reaction and mucosa barrier of broilers administrated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimuli. A total of 120 1-d-old male broilers were randomly divided into four treatments in a 2 [...] Read more.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of glutamine (Gln) supplementation on intestinal inflammatory reaction and mucosa barrier of broilers administrated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimuli. A total of 120 1-d-old male broilers were randomly divided into four treatments in a 2 × 2 experimental arrangement, containing immune challenge (injected with LPS in a dose of 0 or 500 μg/kg of body weight) and dietary treatments (supplemented with 1.22% alanine or 1% Gln). The results showed that growth performance of broilers intra-abdominally injected with LPS was impaired, and Gln administration alleviated the adverse effects on growth performance induced by LPS challenge. Furthermore, Gln supplementation reduced the increased concentration of circulating tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β induced by LPS challenge. Meanwhile, D-lactic acid and diamine oxidase concentration in plasma were also decreased by Gln supplementation. In addition, the shorter villus height, deeper crypt depth and the lower ratio of villus height to crypt depth of duodenum, jejunum and ileum induced by LPS stimulation were reversed by Gln supplementation. Gln administration beneficially increased LPS-induced reduction in the expression of intestine tight junction proteins such as zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1), claudin-1 and occludin except for the ZO-1 in duodenum and occludin in ileum. Moreover, Gln supplementation downregulated the mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 4, focal adhesion kinase, myeloid differentiation factor 88 and IL-1R-associated kinase 4 in TLR4/FAK/MyD88 signaling pathway. Therefore, it can be concluded that Gln administration could attenuate LPS-induced inflammatory responses and improve intestinal barrier damage of LPS-challenged broilers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Nonruminant Nutrition, Metabolism, and Gut Microorganisms)

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11 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Bacillus subtilis on Growth Performance, Organ Weight, Digestive Enzyme Activities, and Serum Biochemical Indices in Broiler

by Taha M. Mohamed, Weizhong Sun, Gifty Z. Bumbie, Waleed M. Dosoky, Zebin Rao, Ping Hu, Liuting Wu and Zhiru Tang

Animals 2022, 12(12), 1558; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12121558 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2134

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing Bacillus subtilis and an antibiotic (Zinc bacitracin) in the diet of broilers on growth performance, organ weight, blood metabolites, and digestive enzymes of broiler chickens. A total of 600 1-d Arbor Acres broilers [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing Bacillus subtilis and an antibiotic (Zinc bacitracin) in the diet of broilers on growth performance, organ weight, blood metabolites, and digestive enzymes of broiler chickens. A total of 600 1-d Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allotted to five treatments. Each treatment consisted of six replicates with four pens, and each pen had five birds. The chicks were fed (1) the basal diet (control), (2) the basal diet with 500 mg/kg Zinc bacitracin (APZ), (3) the basal diet with B. subtilis at 1 × 10⁸ CFU/g (B.Sut-1), (4) the basal diet with B. subtilis at 3 × 10⁸ CFU/g (B.Sut-3), and (5) the basal diet with B. subtilis at 5 × 10⁸ CFU/g (B.Sut-5). The experiment lasted for 42 days. In this study, the supplementation of diets with B. subtilis (B.Sut-3 and B.Sut-5 groups) increased body weight gain from 1 to 21 days compared with control (p < 0.05). Additionally, the B.Sut-3 group had a significantly heavier bursa of Fabricius than control at 21 days (p < 0.05). Serum total protein, albumin, and high-density lipoprotein concentrations were increased in B.Sut-5 and APZ groups (p < 0.05) over the whole period. Serum low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and total cholesterol concentrations were decreased in B.Sut-5 and APZ groups at 21 and 42 days (p < 0.05). Chicks in the B.Sut-5 and APZ groups had higher serum lipase, pepsin, and amylase activities (p < 0.05) at 21 and 42 days. From the results obtained from the study, it can be concluded that Bacillus subtilis ATCC19659 at 5 × 10⁸ CFU/g could be applied as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Nonruminant Nutrition, Metabolism, and Gut Microorganisms)

12 pages, 860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Mannose Oligosaccharides on the Body Condition, Lactation Performance and Their Offspring of Heat-Stressed Sows

by Ying Ren, Zibin Zheng, Taotao Wu, Long Lei, Zhengya Liu, Yuanqi Zhao and Shengjun Zhao

Animals 2022, 12(11), 1397; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12111397 - 29 May 2022

Viewed by 1748

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with mannose oligosaccharide (MOS) on the condition of the body and the reproductive and lactation performances of sows. Eighty pregnant sows were randomly assigned to four groups with a 2 [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with mannose oligosaccharide (MOS) on the condition of the body and the reproductive and lactation performances of sows. Eighty pregnant sows were randomly assigned to four groups with a 2 × 2 factorial design: with or without MOS (1 g/kg) and with or without heat stress (HS) challenge. The temperature in the HS groups (HS and HM group) was controlled at 31.56 ± 1.22 °C, while the temperature in the active cooling (AC) groups (AC and AM group) was controlled at 23.49 ± 0.72 °C. The weight loss of sows in the AC group was significantly lower than that of sows in the HS group (p < 0.01). The weight and backfat thickness loss of sows supplemented with MOS displayed a downward trend. The average birth weight of the litter significantly increased in the HM group (basic diet + MOS) compared with the HS group (p < 0.05). The milk protein of sows significantly decreased under the HS condition at 2 and 12 h after delivery (p < 0.05). However, the milk immunoglobin G (IgG) of sows in the HS group increased significantly compared with that of sows in the HM group (p < 0.05) at 12 and 24 h after delivery. The levels of serum urea nitrogen (UREA) and glucose (GLU) decreased significantly under the HS condition (p < 0.05), while the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) increased significantly under the HS condition (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with MOS also significantly reduced TNF-α under the AC conditions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, HS significantly affected the body condition, lactation performances and their offspring of sows. However, dietary supplementation with 1 g/kg MOS did not result in statistically significant changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Nonruminant Nutrition, Metabolism, and Gut Microorganisms)

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13 pages, 271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Live Yeast Supplementation in Gestating and Lactating Primiparous Sows Improves Immune Response in Dams and Their Progeny

by Tian Xia, Chenggang Yin, Marcello Comi, Alessandro Agazzi, Vera Perricone, Xilong Li and Xianren Jiang

Animals 2022, 12(10), 1315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12101315 - 20 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1693

Abstract

The present study determined the effects of live yeast (LY) supplementation during middle–late gestation and the lactation period in primiparous sows on reproductive parameters, lactation performance, and immunity, and also explores the carryover effects in their offspring. On day (d) 60 of gestation, [...] Read more.

The present study determined the effects of live yeast (LY) supplementation during middle–late gestation and the lactation period in primiparous sows on reproductive parameters, lactation performance, and immunity, and also explores the carryover effects in their offspring. On day (d) 60 of gestation, 16 crossbred primiparous sows were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments (with or without supplementation of 425 mg/kg of live yeast; LYT and CT, respectively) homogeneous for body weight (BW) and backfat thickness. Experimental diets were applied from day 60 of gestation to the end of lactation. At weaning, 60 piglets with an average BW of each treatment were selected based on their source litter and assigned to two groups corresponding to the original treatments received by their mothers. Each group had five replicates of six piglets each and was fed a basal diet for 42 days. The results showed that LY supplementation significantly increased the serum IgA and IgG concentrations of sows at farrowing and weaning stages, and of piglets on day 14 and 28 post weaning. No significant differences were found in reproductive and lactation performance, while minor effects were observed on antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, live yeast addition during middle–late gestation and the whole lactation period resulted in enhanced immunity of primiparous sows and their offspring, therefore, improving maternal and progeny health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Nonruminant Nutrition, Metabolism, and Gut Microorganisms)

9 pages, 738 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of Two Supplementary Doses of Vitamin A on Performance, Intestine and Immune Organ Development, as well as Gene Expression of Inflammatory Factors in Young Hy-Line Brown Laying Pullets

by Qinliang Chen, Xiaoqing Han, Huiling Zhu, Yulan Liu and Xiao Xu

Animals 2022, 12(10), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12101271 - 15 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1382

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare two supplementary doses (6000 vs. 12,000 IU/kg) of vitamin A (VA) on the performance, development of intestine and immune organs, as well as gene expression of inflammatory factors in young Hy-Line Brown laying pullets. A [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to compare two supplementary doses (6000 vs. 12,000 IU/kg) of vitamin A (VA) on the performance, development of intestine and immune organs, as well as gene expression of inflammatory factors in young Hy-Line Brown laying pullets. A total of 288 one-day-old Hy-Line Brown laying pullets (weighing 42.15 ± 0.23 g) were allotted into two treatments with 12 replicate cages and 12 birds per cage. During the 35-day period, the pullets were fed a basal diet supplemented with different doses of VA (6000 IU/kg VA in control group; 12,000 IU/kg VA in treatment group), respectively. The results showed that supplementary high doses of VA reduced the feed-to-gain ratio from day 21 to 35 (p < 0.05). Moreover, the pullets fed high doses of VA diets had increased length and relative weight of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (p < 0.05). From observations on morphology, high doses of VA diets increased the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05). High doses of VA diets also increased the relative weight of immune organs (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the gene expressions of inflammatory factors were decreased in the thymus of the pullets fed high doses of VA diets (p < 0.05). In summary, supplementary 12,000 IU/kg doses of VA improved performance and intestine and immune organ development, and alleviated gene expressions of inflammatory factors in young Hy-Line Brown laying pullets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Nonruminant Nutrition, Metabolism, and Gut Microorganisms)

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12 pages, 618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Yeast Culture Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Metabolites, and Immune Response in Geese

by Jie Zhang, Hang He, Yancong Yuan, Kun Wan, Longjiao Li and Anfang Liu

Animals 2022, 12(10), 1270; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12101270 - 15 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2125

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary yeast culture (YC) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, and immune functions in geese. One-day-old Sichuan white geese (n = 300) were randomly divided into five groups containing 0 [...] Read more.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary yeast culture (YC) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, and immune functions in geese. One-day-old Sichuan white geese (n = 300) were randomly divided into five groups containing 0 (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 4.0% of YC in the diet for 70 days. In general, the dietary supplementation of YC significantly increased the average daily gain and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) in which the 1.0% or 2.0% levels were better and significantly reduced the average daily feed intake at the 2.0% level (p < 0.05). YC supplementation increased digestibility of P (quadratic, p = 0.01) and gross energy (quadratic, p = 0.04) from days 23 to 27 and crude protein from days 23 to 27 and days 64 to 68 (quadratic, p ≤ 0.05), with the 2.0% level being the most effective. Serum metabolites were significantly affected by dietary YC (p < 0.05). Supplemental YC increased IL-2 on day 28 (linear, p = 0.01; quadratic, p = 0.04) and lysozyme on day 70 (quadratic, p = 0.04) and decreased complement C4 on day 70 (linear, p = 0.05). Interferon-γ, interleukin-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α genes were mostly up-regulated after YC supplementation, and interferon-γ and interleukin-2 gene expression levels were significantly increased at the 2.0% level (p < 0.05). Taken together, dietary YC supplementation improved growth performance and affected nutrient digestibility, serum metabolites, and immune function in geese, which was optimized at the 2% YC level in the present study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Nonruminant Nutrition, Metabolism, and Gut Microorganisms)

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19 pages, 3856 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ellagic Acid Improves Antioxidant Capacity and Intestinal Barrier Function of Heat-Stressed Broilers via Regulating Gut Microbiota

by Tai Yang, Bifan Liu, Yujie Wang, Xiangying Huang, Zhaoming Yan, Qian Jiang and Qinghua Chen

Animals 2022, 12(9), 1180; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12091180 - 04 May 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2298

Abstract

Heat stress (HS) has been revealed to damage the antioxidant system and intestinal barrier function, which greatly threatens poultry production. The present study investigated the effects of dietary ellagic acid (EA) on the antioxidant system, gut barrier function, and gut microbiota of heat-stressed [...] Read more.

Heat stress (HS) has been revealed to damage the antioxidant system and intestinal barrier function, which greatly threatens poultry production. The present study investigated the effects of dietary ellagic acid (EA) on the antioxidant system, gut barrier function, and gut microbiota of heat-stressed broilers. Arbor Acres 14-day-old broilers numbering 360 were randomly divided into six groups, including one negative control group (NC) and five experimental groups. The broilers in the NC group were supplemented with a basal diet at a normal temperature (23 ± 2 °C). The broilers in the experimental groups were supplemented with basal diets containing EA at different doses (0, 75, 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) at HS temperature (35 ± 2 °C). The experiment lasted for 4 weeks. Results showed that dietary EA reduced the corticosterone (CORT), LPS, and diamine oxidase (DAO) levels in the serum of heat-stressed broilers. Additionally, dietary EA improved the antioxidant enzyme activity and mRNA levels of Nrf2/HO-1 in the ileum of heat-stressed broilers. The relative abundances of Streptococcus, Ruminococcus_torques, Rothia, Neisseria, Actinomyces, and Lautropia in the cecum were significantly reduced by the EA supplementation in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, the LPS, DAO, and MDA in the serum were revealed to be positively correlated with the relative abundances of Rothia, Neisseria, Actinomyces, and Lautropia, while the GSH-px, SOD, and CAT levels in the serum were negatively correlated with the relative abundances of Ruminococcus_torques, Rothia, Neisseria, Actinomyces, Streptococcus, and Lautropia. Taken together, dietary EA improved the antioxidant capacity, intestinal barrier function, and alleviated heat-stressed injuries probably via regulating gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Nonruminant Nutrition, Metabolism, and Gut Microorganisms)

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10 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Acremonium terricola Culture on the Growth, Slaughter Yield, Immune Organ, Serum Biochemical Indexes, and Antioxidant Indexes of Geese

by Jinyuan Chen, Yawen Guo, Yang Lu, Zhaoyuan He, Yali Zhu, Shuyu Liu and Kaizhou Xie

Animals 2022, 12(9), 1164; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12091164 - 02 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1722

Abstract

Acremonium terricola culture (ATC) is a new type of green feed additive, and its main components include cordycepin, adenosine, and ergosterol. In this study, the Hortobagy geese were used as the experimental animals to explore the effects of ATC addition to the basal [...] Read more.

Acremonium terricola culture (ATC) is a new type of green feed additive, and its main components include cordycepin, adenosine, and ergosterol. In this study, the Hortobagy geese were used as the experimental animals to explore the effects of ATC addition to the basal diet. Seven hundred and twenty 1-day-old Hortobagy geese were randomly divided into four treatment groups, each with 180 geese divided into six pens equally. The four treatments included the control group and three experimental treatments. Half of the geese in each group were males and half were females. All geese were offered the same basal diet with ATC supplementation at 0, 3, 5, and 7 g/kg. The results showed that basal diet supplementation with 7 g/kg ATC reduced the feed conversion rate (FCR) of Hortobagy geese in a highly significant manner (p < 0.01). When the dosage of ATC was 3 g/kg, the breast muscle rate and leg muscle rate of female geese were significantly increased (p < 0.05). ATC supplementation in the basal diet had no significant effect on the immune organ index of Hortobagy geese (p > 0.05). Basal diet supplementation with 3 g/kg and 5 g/kg ATC significantly reduced the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) content in the serum of female geese, significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of the serum, and significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the serum (p < 0.05). The addition of 5 g/kg and 7 g/kg ATC to the basal diet reduced the blood glucose (GLU) content in male geese in a highly significant manner (p < 0.01). A basal diet supplemented with 3 g/kg and 7 g/kg ATC significantly reduced the MDA content in geese breast muscles (p < 0.05). Basal diet supplementation with 3 g/kg ATC highly significantly improved the T-AOC of female geese breast muscles (p < 0.01). Basal diet supplementation with 5 g/kg ATC significantly improved the T-AOC of female geese leg muscles (p < 0.01). In summary, basal diet supplementation with ATC enhances the growth performance and antioxidant properties of Hortobagy geese. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Nonruminant Nutrition, Metabolism, and Gut Microorganisms)

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