The use of Basidiomycota mushrooms in poultry nutrition—A review

Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides alleviate aflatoxin B1-induced liver inflammation in ducks involving in remodeling gut microbiota and regulating SCFAs transport via the gut-liver axis

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most widespread contaminants in agricultural commodities. Pleurotus eryngii (PE) is widely used as a feed additive for its anti-inflammatory properties, and its major active substance is believed to be polysaccharides. This study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of dietary PE polysaccharides alleviating AFB1-induced toxicity in ducks. The major monosaccharide components of PE polysaccharides were identified as glucose, mannose, galactose, glucuronic acid, and fucose. The results showed that dietary PE polysaccharides could alleviate liver inflammation, alleviate intestinal barrier dysfunction, and change the imbalanced gut microbiota induced by AFB1 in ducks. However, PE polysaccharides failed to exert protective roles on the liver and intestine injury induced by AFB1 in antibiotic-treated ducks. The PE + AFB1-originated microbiota showed a positive effect on intestinal barrier and inflammation, the SCFAs transport via the gut-liver axis, and liver inflammation compared with the AFB1-originated microbiota in ducks. These findings provided a possible mechanism that PE polysaccharides alleviated AFB1-induced liver inflammation in ducks by remodeling gut microbiota, regulating microbiota-derived SCFAs transport via the gut-liver axis, and inhibiting inflammatory gene expressions in the liver, which may provide new insight for therapeutic methods against AFB1 exposure in animals.

Dietary Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Waste Inhibits Experimentally Induced Eimeria tenella Challenge in Japanese Quails Model

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of dietary 3% oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) waste in enhancing the anticoccidial effects in broilers challenged with Eimeria tenella infection. The experiment involved a total of 600 Japanese quails, raised from one to thirty-five days of age, which were divided into four treatment groups. These included a negative control group that received a basal diet (BD) without any anticoccidial or antibiotic supplementation in the non-challenged birds (negative control, NC); a positive control (PC) group consisting of NC birds challenged with E. tenella; a group that received the BD with an anticoccidial drug (standard); and a group that received the BD supplemented with 3% waste from oyster mushrooms (3% Pleurotus ostreatus). The results showed that the feed intake, body weight gain, and feed efficiency were significantly lower in the PC (p < 0.05). However, the growth traits were similar in the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus-treated groups. Similarly, there was no difference (p < 0.05) in the mortality rate, oocyst count in the feces, and lesion score between the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus groups. Based on intestinal histology evaluation, the villi height and width were significantly higher in the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus-treated groups compared to those of the PC (p < 0.01). In conclusion, it was found that 3% Pleurotus ostreatus effectively mitigated the low growth rate of Japanese quails induced by coccidial infection.

New frontiers of soil fungal microbiome and its application for biotechnology in agriculture

The fungi-based technology provided encouraging scenarios in the transition from a conventionally based economic system to the potential security of sources closely associated with the agricultural sphere such as the agriculture. In recent years, the intensification of fungi-based processes has generated significant gains, additionally to the production of materials with significant benefits and strong environmental importance. Furthermore, the growing concern for human health, especially in the agriculture scenario, has fostered the investigation of organisms with high biological and beneficial potential for use in agricultural systems. Accordingly, this study offered a comprehensive review of the diversity of the soil fungal microbiome and its main applications in a biotechnological approach aimed at agriculture and food chain-related areas. Moreover, the spectrum of opportunities and the extensive optimization platform for obtaining fungi compounds and metabolites are discussed. Finally, future perspectives regarding the insurgency of innovations and challenges on the broad rise of visionary solutions applied to the biotechnology context are provided.

Mammalian Mycophagy: a Global Review of Ecosystem Interactions Between Mammals and Fungi

The consumption of fungi by animals is a significant trophic interaction in most terrestrial ecosystems, yet the role mammals play in these associations has been incompletely studied. In this review, we compile 1 154 references published over the last 146 years and provide the first comprehensive global review of mammal species known to eat fungi (508 species in 15 orders). We review experimental studies that found viable fungal inoculum in the scats of at least 40 mammal species, including spores from at least 58 mycorrhizal fungal species that remained viable after ingestion by mammals. We provide a summary of mammal behaviours relating to the consumption of fungi, the nutritional importance of fungi for mammals, and the role of mammals in fungal spore dispersal. We also provide evidence to suggest that the morphological evolution of sequestrate fungal sporocarps (fruiting bodies) has likely been driven in part by the dispersal advantages provided by mammals. Finally, we demonstrate how these interconnected associations are widespread globally and have far-reaching ecological implications for mammals, fungi and associated plants in most terrestrial ecosystems.

Use of Tannin-Containing Plants as Antimicrobials Influencing the Animal Health

The antimicrobial effects of diverse tannin-containing plants, particularly condensed tannins (CTs) produced from various plants, are the subject of this study. CT components can be determined using CT-specific procedures such the HCl-Butanol Acetone assay, Thiolysis reaction, and HPLC/MS analysis. These methods indicate CT contents, including mean degree of polymerization, the procyanidins and prodelphinidins ratio (PC/PD%), the isomers of trans- and cis-, and CT concentration. Tannin-containing plants possess antibacterial action, which can be attributed to their protein linkage technique, and tannin-type variations, particularly CTs extract and their PC/PD%. The effects of CT components on the development of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have been documented for their relative PC/PD%; this is regarded to be a key predictor of tannin characteristics in terms of antimicrobials. In conclusion, tannins, more specific CT compositions, have significant impacts on in vivo trials of animal productions and utilization of metabolites and fermentation in vitro experiments. These findings need further investigations to fully understand how CT-types act on animal feeding in terms of enhanced nutritional quality of animal diets, which may have implications for human and animal health.

Development of the composition of feed additives based on the developed algorithm, including the studied probiotic strains

The aim of the study was to develop an algorithm for compounding feed mixtures with the inclusion of probiotic strains. The authors have developed the basic principles underlying the modeling of feed additive formulations. However, the introduction of viable cells of beneficial microorganisms (probiotics) into the feed significantly increases the requirements for the level of design of feed products. Thus, the article describes the basic principles of the algorithm for designing feed products for poultry. A technological scheme for combining the components of the supplement and probiotic drugs has been developed. In accordance with the developed algorithm, the effect of such an active component of the feed additive as bentonite on the growth and survival of the target probiotic strains was tested. Feed mixtures with the inclusion of the probiotic strains under study were tested in the experiment on broiler chickens. The result of the study was positive results of the productivity of the raised poultry in the experimental groups.

Agaricus subrufescens and Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms as alternative additives to antibiotics in diets for broilers challenged with Eimeria spp

1. The effect of A. subrufescens and P. ostreatus mushrooms as an alternative to antibiotics (avilamycin or monensin sodium) on performance, intestinal morphometry, immunity, and biochemical profile of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. was studied from 1 to 42 d old. A total of 900 male Cobb® broiler chicks were distributed, according to a completely randomised design, into five treatments with six replicates each.2. The treatments consisted of: negative control (NC) - basal diet (BD) with no anticoccidial or antibiotic (non-challenged birds); negative control challenged (NCC) - NC fed to Eimeria spp. challenged birds; BD with 0.2% A. subrufescens inclusion for challenged birds (As), BD with 0.2% P. ostreatus inclusion for challenged birds (Po); and a positive control - BD with anticoccidial and antibiotic inclusion for challenged birds (ATB).3. At 11 d.o., the birds were each inoculated orally with 1 ml solution containing 2 × 10⁵ sporulated oocysts/ml Eimeria acervulina and 2 × 10⁴ sporulated oocysts/ml E. maxima and E. tenella.4. Birds subjected to Eimeria spp. challenge up to 21 d of age had greater crypt depth, indicating that the presence of undesirable microorganisms had an effect on cell proliferation.5. At 21 d old, the birds receiving ATB had higher average weight gain (AWG), feed intake (AFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to those fed diets supplemented with mushrooms (As or Po). For the total rearing period (42 days), the birds that received ATB had higher AWG and AFI (P < 0.001) compared to those that received As or Po diets. Feeding avilamycin did not affect (P = 0.0676) FCR compared to the As or Po diet groups.6. From the morphometric and blood analyses there were no differences between broilers fed ATB, Po or As diets in either rearing periods. However, Po and As supplementation lowered blood triglyceride levels. At 21d there was a difference (P < 0.05) for MCV and haemoglobin, in which the mushrooms were similar to the antibiotic. At 42 d, there was a difference (P < 0.05) in haematocrit, erythrocyte, MCV, H: L, protein and albumin variables, in which the use of mushrooms was similar to the positive control, demonstrating that both (mushrooms and antibiotics) promoted a certain improvement in the health of the chickens.7. A. subrufescens and P. ostreatus can be used in broiler diets without compromising intestinal or haematological status, however, these ingredients did not result in improvements in performance.

Biological function and molecular properties of Pyrenaican SF-1 as biological macromolecule extracted from Daldinia pyrenaica

Molecular properties and biological functions of Pyrenaican SF-1 as a novel biological macromolecule extracted from a fungal isolate were studied. The isolate was identified as Daldinia pyrenaica on the basis of 5.8S rDNA sequencing. Pyrenaican SF-1 was obtained from the culture filtrate of the fungal isolate. The partial characterization of biochemical structure of Pyrenaican SF-1 was conducted. The fungal extract was also tested for the treatment of AGS, MDA and HeLa cell lines to assess cells proliferation, cells cycle and apoptosis. Furthermore, Pyrenaican SF-1 extract was tested for its antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Initial chemical analysis revealed that Pyrenaican SF-1 extract was composed of various monosaccharides such as d-glucose, D- mannitol, D-arabinose and β-D-ribopyranose. In vitro study indicated that Pyrenaican SF-1 could effectively elevate percentage of apoptosis and necrosis of cancer cells and block cell cycle phase of the control group. The fungal extract could inhibit proliferation of Hela and MDA cell up to 67% and 56%, respectively. Moreover, Pyrenaican SF-1 represented a strong antioxidant activity compared to that one obtained from vitamin C. On the other hand, Pyrenaican SF-1 exhibited growth inhibitory effects against different Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains. Pyrenaican SF-1 can be considered as a bioactive macromolecule with promising application in pharmaceutical and medical sectors.

The endangered Hastings River mouse (Pseudomys oralis) as a disperser of ectomycorrhizal fungi in eastern Australia

Rodents are the most widespread and diverse order of vertebrate mycophagists and are key to the dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi. Rodents consume and subsequently disperse fungi through their feces on every continent except Antarctica. This study examines the fungal taxa consumed by the Hastings River mouse (Pseudomys oralis), an endangered Australian endemic rodent from the family Muridae. We analyzed 251 fecal samples collected over a 19-year period between 1993 and 2012 at sites throughout the distribution of the animal in New South Wales and Queensland. We show that at least 16 genera of mycorrhizal fungi are eaten by this species and that it is therefore playing an important role as a vector of ectomycorrhizal truffle-like fungi in eastern Australia. Similar to the fungal diets of other mammals in eastern Australia, seasonal fungal consumption was greatest in autumn and winter. The dietary diversity of P. oralis also appeared to follow a geographic trend from south to north; samples collected at sites in the southern part of the species' range had greater diversity than those from sites in the northern part of the range, and overall, diets from southern sites yielded more fungal taxa than did northern sites. This study provides novel insights into the diet of P. oralis and highlights the importance of previously overlooked ecosystem services this species provides through its dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi.

Influence of Oyster Mushroom Waste on Growth Performance, Immunity and Intestinal Morphology Compared With Antibiotics in Broiler Chickens

Oyster mushroom waste (OMW) is a by-product of the agriculture industry with valuable antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and prebiotic properties. This by-product might be a useful alternative to antibiotic growth stimulators in poultry nutrition. The purpose of this research was to test the impact of OMW on the immune responses and on the morphology of intestine of broiler chickens. Four dietary therapies with five replicas of 15 birds in each, totalling 300 day- Ross 308 broiler chickens, were utilized in this study. Control chickens were fed a mixed diet that included a maize-soybean meal complemented by 1 and 2% OMW in addition to the basal diet. Furthermore, Enramycin (125 g/kg) was added to the control diet as an antibiotic. Throughout this experiment, performance was studied as well as the immune response to the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and intestinal morphological traits. A substantial surge was noted in body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) of chickens after the addition of 1% OMW (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, feed supplementation with 2% OMW, compared with the control diet, produced no noteworthy increase in BWG or the feed conversion rate (FCR). Antibiotic addition, on the other hand, increased serum cholesterol (p ≤ 0.05). After 42 days, neither OMW nor antibiotic addition affected organ mass. In contrast, antibiotic addition reduced the small intestine percentage, crypt depth and villus height (p ≤ 0.05). The Newcastle disease vaccine (NDV) antibody titer improved after feed supplementation with 1% OMW comparing with the control and antibiotic diet group. Furthermore, OMW supplementation decreased the heterophil-to-lymphocyte H/L ratio (p ≤ 0.05). The use of OMW led to a reduction in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the breast and liver and an increase in glutathione peroxidase. It helped to reduce glutathione, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase. In conclusion, the impact of OMW were dose-dependent, and the use of 1% OMW in broiler diets enhanced their growth and immunity. Nonetheless, supplementation with 2% OMW produced conflicting results.

Preliminary study on Se-enriched Lentinula edodes mycelium as a proposal of new feed additive in selenium deficiency

The presence of selenium in European soil is low and this causes its deficiency in livestock and, in consequence, in humans. This study aimed to obtain Lentinula (L.) edodes mycelium with the maximum content of selenium. This species was used for experiment based on its documented medicinal properties. Calves were fed with selenium-enriched L. edodes mycelium, and serum selenium concentration, average daily weight gains and selected immune parameters were estimated. The selenium-enriched mushroom was found to be safe based on cytotoxicity tests (MTT and LDH tests) and for this reason it was used for further experiments. The mean quantity of selenium in the serum of calves fed with selenium-enriched L. edodes mycelium was significantly higher than that of control calves. Additionally, the calves fed with selenium-enriched L. edodes mycelium had higher body weight gains than those of control calves. White blood cell counts and subpopulations of lymphocytes in the experimental and control calves were within the reference range. The administration of L. edodes enriched with selenium had a beneficial effect on state of health of the calves.

Effects of the Agaricus bisporus stem residue on performance, nutrients digestibility and antioxidant activity of laying hens and its effects on egg storage

Objective

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of the Agaricus bisporus stem residue (ABSR) on the performance, nutrients digestibility, antioxidant activity of laying hens, and its effects on egg storage to determine the appropriate dosage of ABSR, so as to provide a scientific basis for the effective utilization of ABSR.

Methods

A total of 384 53-wk-old Nongda III layers were randomly divided into six treatments, four replicates in each treatment and 16 birds in each replicate. The control treatment was fed with basic diet, while experimental treatments were fed with diets of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% ABSR respectively. The experimental period was 56 d.

Results

The results showed that compared with the control treatment, ABSR had no significant effect on laying performance (p>0.05). The crude protein and total energy digestibility of experimental treatments was significantly higher than those of control treatment (p< 0.05). When eggs were stored for 1 wk, 2 wk, and 3 wk at 25°C, there were no significant differences in egg storage between the experimental treatments and the control treatment (p>0.05). The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the serum of the experimental treatments were significantly higher than those of the control treatment (p<0.05), and the malonaldehyde (MDA) content did not change dramatically. SOD activity in yolk of experimental treatments was significantly higher than that in control treatment (p<0.05); MDA content in yolk was markedly lower than that in control treatment (p<0.05). The activity of GSH-Px and SOD in yolk of experimental treatments was significantly higher than that of control treatment stored at 25°C for 21 d, and the content of MDA was significantly lower than that of control treatment (p<0.05).

Conclusion

ABSR can be used to improve the antioxidant activity of laying hens without affecting laying performance.

Use of Medicinal Mushrooms in Layer Ration

Simple Summary

The extensive use of antibiotics in the poultry industry to increase production performance has led to human health hazards. The use of natural herbs as antibiotic substitutes has been reported in the poultry feed industry. Therefore, the objective of this review was to determine the effect of different levels of mushrooms and their extract in diet on laying performance and health status. On the basis of previous findings, dietary supplementation using mushrooms as a natural feed supplement sustained laying performance and improved immunity in laying hens.

Abstract

Application of different medicinal mushrooms intended to enhance production performance and health status has created an importance demand in poultry production. One goal of using medicinal mushrooms is to get rid of antibiotics in poultry feed without affecting the optimum performance. Increasing concerns about this issue have led to more attention on antibiotic substitutes and a significant demand for them for organic egg production. Thus, supplementation with medicinal mushrooms is a new concept for research in layer production, however, there is still a great deal of confusion about inclusion levels and the mode of action of medicinal mushrooms on production performance and health status in laying hens. Taking this into account, this review outlines the experimental uses of medicinal fungi on the growth performance, laying performance, egg quality, and health status of layer birds based on previous findings to date. Finally, we highlight that supplementation with medicinal fungi can play a role on the immunity, health, and production performance in laying hens.

Dietary Inclusion of Mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) Stem Waste on Growth Performance, Antibody Response, Immune Status, and Serum Cholesterol in Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

The continued overuse of antibiotics in the poultry industry with the purpose of increasing production performance and health status has led to human health hazards. This research explores the use of medicinal mushrooms to get rid of antibiotics in poultry feed without affecting optimum performance. Most medicinal mushrooms contain biologically active substances such as polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and other macromolecules, which can serve as good dietary supplements and immuno-modulating agent in chickens. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of Flammulina velutipes mushroom stem waste (MW) on Growth performance, antibody response, immune status, and serum cholesterol in broiler chickens.

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) stem waste (MW) on growth performance, antibody response, immune status, and serum cholesterol in broiler chickens. A total of 252 1 day old Arbor Acres (AA) male broiler chicks were randomly assigned into four treatments with seven replications of nine chicks each. The duration of experimental period was total 42 days. Dietary treatments includes a standard basal diet as negative control (NC) group; control diet with antibiotics (Chlortetracycline) considered as positive control (PC) group; 1% mushroom stem waste (MW) fed group; and 2% MW fed group. No significant differences (p > 0.05) was observed on average daily feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio among experimental groups. Antibody titers against Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bursal disease (IBD) were higher (p < 0.05) in 2% MW fed group than NC and PC fed groups. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) was higher (p < 0.05) in both levels of MW fed groups than in the NC and PC. Serum interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), were higher (p < 0.05) in 2% MW fed groups than in the NC and PC fed groups. Total cholesterol concentration was lower (p < 0.05) in both levels MW fed groups than in the NC. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) was lower (p < 0.05) in both levels of MW fed groups than that of NC and PC fed groups. MW at 2% level can be used as potential phytogenic feed supplement in broilers.

Bioactive exopolysaccharide from Neopestalotiopsis sp. strain SKE15: Production, characterization and optimization

Fungal exopolysaccharides are powerful resources of medicinal applications. Neopestalotiopsis sp. SKE15 was isolated and identified according to phenotypical and genotypical analyses (GenBank Accession No. MG649986). The exopolysaccharide (EPS) was produced by cultivation of mycelia in broth culture and extracted. The production was optimized to 2.02 g/l after selection of agitation, temperature, FeSO₄ and K₂HPO₄ concentrations as the most influencing factors using Placket-Burman design and then by applying response surface methodology. Analytical Tools showed that the EPS is composed of a polysaccharide (1.5-2.1 × 10⁶ Da) and its probable low molecular weight derivatives, in a wide range of chain lengths, among them an oligosaccharide of about 1970 Da was dominant. GC-MS (Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis revealed the EPS was mainly constructed from d-glucose, sorbitol and D-galactose. The EPS showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity assays showed strong antioxidant activity of the EPS. A challenge with three different cancerous cell lines showed cytotoxic activity of the EPS at final concentration of 100 and 200 μg/ml. Further investigation on medicinal applications of the biopolymer is promising.