Effects of periodical application of bioactive peptides derived from cottonseed on performance, immunity, total antioxidant activity of serum and intestinal development of broilers

Impact of coriander (Coriandrum sativum), garlic (Allium sativum), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on zootechnical performance, carcass quality, blood metabolites and nutrient digestibility in broilers chickens

The study investigated the impact of incorporating a specific herbal blend comprising coriander, garlic, and fenugreek (CGF) at various levels on the zootechnical performance, blood metabolites and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. The 42-day experiment involved 360 broilers (Cobb 500), organized into four distinct treatment groups. The dietary interventions included a control group consisting of a basal diet and the same diet was supplemented with CGF at rates of 1, 2, and 3%. Broilers receiving a 1% phytogenic mixture exhibited significantly increased live weight and carcass weight. Moreover, the digestibility of crude protein and crude fat significantly improved in broilers supplemented with a 1% phytogenic mixture. On the other hand, the digestibility of calcium and phosphorus showed a notable increase in broilers fed with a 3% phytogenic mixture. Regarding serum metabolites, the 1% phytogenic mixture group displayed significantly higher levels of high density lipoprotein and triglycerides. The supplementation of the broiler diet with a herbal mixture of coriander, fenugreek, and garlic at a 1% rate resulted in improved growth performance, carcass quality, nutrient digestion, and lipid profile.

Abdelrahman S, Chandrasekaran A. Live performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response and fecal microbial load modulation in Japanese quails fed a Bacillus-based probiotic alone or combination with xylanase

Animal industry seeks cost-effective solutions to enhance performance and health of domestic animals. This study investigated the effects of supplementing Bacillus spp. probiotics and xylanase on 2000 one-day-old Japanese quails, randomly assigned to four treatment groups (10 replicates). The control group received no supplementation, while the others were supplemented with a Bacillus-based probiotic at 7.5 × 107 cfu/kg of feed, xylanase enzyme (2,000 U/kg) alone or in combination. Quails receiving both probiotic and enzyme exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) higher weekly and overall weight gain, and lower feed conversion ratios compared to the control group. Dressing percentage was higher (p < 0.01), and mortality lower in birds supplemented with a combination of enzyme and probiotic. Antibody titres against infectious bronchitis and infectious bursal disease were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in quails receiving combined probiotic and enzyme supplementation, while titres against Newcastle disease virus were higher (p < 0.01) in groups supplemented with probiotic and enzyme individually or in combination. Additionally, digestibility was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in groups receiving combined enzyme and probiotic supplementation, with higher apparent metabolizable energy compared to the control. The populations of beneficial Lactobacillus increased, while harmful E. coli and Salmonella decreased significantly in quails supplemented with both probiotic and enzyme. In conclusion, supplementing xylanase enzyme and probiotic together in Japanese quails positively influenced growth, nutrient digestibility, immune response, and cecal microbiota.

Postbiotic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects of aqueous microbial lysozyme in broiler chickens

Lysozymes, efficient alternative supplements to antibiotics, have several benefits in poultry production. In the present study, 120, one-day-old, Ross 308 broiler chickens of mixed sex, were allocated into 2 equal groups, lysozyme treated group (LTG) and lysozyme free group (LFG), to evaluate the efficacy of lysozyme (Lysonir®) usage via both drinking water (thrice) and spray (once). LTG had better (p = 0.042) FCR, and higher European production efficiency factor compared to LFG (p = 0.042). The intestinal integrity score of LTG was decreased (p = 0.242) compared to that of LFG; 0.2 vs. 0.7. Higher (p ≤ 0.001) intestinal Lactobacillus counts were detected in chickens of LTG. Decreased (p ≤ 0.001) IL-1β and CXCL8 values were reported in LTG. The cellular immune modulation showed higher (p ≤ 0.001) opsonic activity (MΦ and phagocytic index) in LTG vs. LFG at 25 and 35 days. Also, higher (p ≤ 0.001) local, IgA, and humoral, HI titers, for both Newcastle, and avian influenza H5 viruses were found in LTG compared to LFG. In conclusion, microbial lysozyme could improve feed efficiency, intestinal integrity, Lactobacillus counts, anti-inflammatory, and immune responses in broiler chickens.

Effects of dietary supplementation of grape seed extract in comparison with excessive level of vitamin E on growth performance and antioxidant function of broilers

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin E (VE) or grape seed extract (GSE) on the growth performance and antioxidant function of broilers. Two hundred sixteen broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 3 diets: diet supplemented with oxidized rice bran oil (CN group), CN group with 25 mg/kg VE or 100 mg/kg GSE. Dietary VE or GSE improved the growth performance, reverted the disturbed levels of liver antioxidant enzymes, and reduced liver damage of broilers fed oxidized rice bran oil. The mRNA data showed that supplementation of VE or GSE enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the broiler liver through activation of the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. The results suggested that VE and GSE can increase weight gain, improve the oxidative status, and alleviate liver injury in broiler chicken fed oxidized rice bran oil.

Effect of dietary supplementation of macadamia oil on the growth, immune function, physio-biochemical components and thyroid activity of growing rabbits

The current research aimed to assess the effects of dietary macadamia oil (MO) on carcass traits, growth performance, physio-biochemical components, immune function, thyroid hormones and inflammation markers of growing rabbits. A total of 96 growing rabbits were randomly distributed into four treatments, with 24 rabbits in each group. The rabbits were fed a basal diet (control group) or a diet supplemented with MO at 0.5 (MO0.5), 1 (MO1.0) and 2 (MO2.0) mL/kg of diet for eight weeks. The daily body weight gain and feed conversion ratio showed a quadratic improvement with increasing levels of MO, and the optimal dose was 1.25 mL/kg of diet. Increasing levels of MO also had a quadratic effect on hepatic and renal functions. Dose-response curves revealed that the optimal doses of MO were 1.50, 1.75 and 1.25 mL/kg of diet for total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and creatinine respectively. A quadratic relationship was observed between the increased levels of MO and tumour necrosis factor-α (p = 0.038), interleukin-6 (p = 0.014) and immunoglobulins (p = 0.016 and IgM p = 0.026). Additionally, a linear relationship was observed between the increment in MO levels and both nitric oxide (p = 0.040) and interleukin-4 (p = 0.001). The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase showed a linear increase with increasing dietary MO content, while xanthine oxidase showed a linear decrease. Total antioxidant capacity showed quadratic improvement (p = 0.035) with the dietary treatment, with the optimal dose observed at 1.25 mL/kg of diet. The inclusion of MO in the diet had a linear effect on the activity of thyroxine (p = 0.001). Therefore, supplementation of MO at a dose of 1 or 1.5 mL/kg of diet in growing rabbits' diets can improve growth and carcass traits, sustain thyroid function by supporting immunity, and reduce oxidative/inflammation pathways.

Effects of probiotics on productive performances and serum lipid profile of broiler as substitute of antibiotics

OBJECTIVES

The present research was accomplished to characterize probiotics from broiler gastrointestinal tract (GIT) by profiling biochemical, antimicrobial, and antibiotic sensitivity properties. Eventually, probiotic potentiality was evaluated as a substitute for antibiotic supplements in broiler focusing growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum lipid profile.

METHODS

Probiotic bacteria were characterized based on morphological, physiological, and several biochemical tests. Antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of antibiotics and bacterial pathogens was detected. An in vivo trial was conducted on 40-day-old Ross 308 broiler strains during 21 days in an in vivo trial. The chicks were divided into total of five groups, a control group and four experimental groups (Antibiotic1, Antibiotic2, Probiotic1, and Probiotic2) in a completely randomized design. Probiotic was supplemented in broiler feed (2× 109 CFU/g feed) or by direct oral gavage (1× 109 CFU/chick). The variables of production performance like body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass characteristics and serum lipid profile were measured.

RESULTS

10 probiotic bacteria were presumptively identified as Lactobacillus sp. based on the morphological, physiological, and strong resistance properties in several biochemical tests. The mixture of Lactobacillus had favorable effects on productive performance of broilers regarding BW, ADG, and FCR (p < .05) compared with chickens that had no additive or had antibiotic during overall period of in vivo trial. Additionally, noteworthy efficacy on carcass characteristics and serum lipid profile were found (p < .05) in Lactobacillus mixture fed chicken groups of in vivo trial.

CONCLUSION

Mixed Lactobacillus sp. can be considered as a potential additive for broiler diet attributable to noteworthy efficacy on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum lipid profile. Accordingly, the research highlights the need for suitable alteration of antibiotics through probiotic characterization and proper inclusion in broiler diet.

Effects of β-carotene supplementation in the diet of laying breeder hens on the growth performance and liver development of offspring chicks

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance, growth regulating factors, and liver morphology of chicks hatched from egg-laying breeding hens dietary supplemented with additives (β-carotene). Hy-line breeding hens were allocated into three groups with three replicates/group. The dietary treatments were as follows: basal diet as a control (Con), basal diet supplemented with 120 (βc-L) or 240 (βc-H) mg/kg of β-carotene diet. After 6 weeks, the eggs were collected and incubated. The hatched chicks were fed the same diet. The results showed that chicks in the βc-L group increased in body weight at 21 days (p < 0.01). At 42 days, chicks in the βc-H group showed a significant increase in tibia length (p < 0.05). The liver index increased in the βc-L and βc-H groups at 7 days (p < 0.05). Serum HGF (7, 14, 21, and 42 days) and leptin (14 days) were significantly increased in the group supplemented with βc. Hepatic GHR (14 days), IGF-1R (14 days), and LEPR (21 days) mRNA expression were significantly increased. In addition, there was an increase in PCNA-positive cells in the liver of chicks in the βc group. In conclusion, the addition of β-carotene to the diet of laying breeder hens was more advantageous in terms of growth performance and liver development of the offspring.

Inhibition of TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation in crucian carp (Carassius carassius) by oral administration of bioactive Bioactive food derived peptides

Intestinal enteritis is a main issue in crucian carp production which results in massive economic loss. Traditional antibiotics used for disease prevention of crucian carp (Carassius carassius) have been banned, thus an alternative approach needs to be identified. In this study, the bioactive peptide was evaluated as a diet supplement for preventing intestinal inflammation in crucian carp. Intestinal inflammation was induced by intrarectal administration of a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) solution. The fish samples were fed with different diets for 14 days. The disease activity index (DAI), which included, fish swimming, food intake, anal inflammation, body surface, and ascites was determined daily. Intestine segments were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H.E.) for histopathological analysis. The expression of cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in crucian carp were determined. In TNBS-induced groups, the DAI scores were dramatically increased compared to the control group. The histopathological analysis showed that the damage of the fish intestine after the injection of TNBS. The relative expression levels of pro-inflammation cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, MPO) were significantly increased compared to the control group on day 1. In the TNBS-induced group feed with a diet supplemented with bioactive peptide, the symptoms of intestinal inflammation were relieved on day 3 and the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammation cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, MPO) were reduced compared to day 1. On day 7, the fish samples enrofloxacin group and bioactive peptide group were recovered from TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation. This study showed that the fish diet supplemented with bioactive peptide could help to prevent and recover from intestinal inflammation. Thus, the bioactive peptide can be used as a replacement for antibiotics to prevent disease in aquaculture production.

Effects of bioactive peptides derived from cottonseed meal solid‐state fermentation on the growth, metabolism, and immunity of yellow‐feathered broilers

This study investigated the effects of bioactive peptides derived from solid-state fermentation of cottonseed meal on the growth performance, apparent dietary digestibility, serum biochemical parameters, protein metabolism, antioxidant activity, and immunity in yellow-feathered broilers. A total of two hundred forty 21-days-old male broilers were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates per group. The control group received a basal diet and three experimental groups were fed diets with 1%, 2%, and 3% cottonseed meal bioactive peptides (CSBP) replacing equivalent protein of cottonseed meal in basic diet. Dietary supplementation of 2% and 3% CSBP increased the average daily weight gain, crude protein digestibility, total serum protein, and immunoglobulin (Ig) G contents in serum (P < 0.05). The 3% CSBP increased albumin, total antioxidant capacity, spleen weight/bodyweight, interleukin-6, and IgM, while reducing the feed to gain ratio, total cholesterol, urea nitrogen, total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde contents in serum (P < 0.05). The 2% CSBP diet increased PepT1 expression in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (P < 0.05). The 1%, 2%, and 3% CSBP diets increased S6kinase-polypeptide-1 and inositol-3-hydroxylase expression in chest and leg muscles (P < 0.05). The CSBP addition in diets can improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, protein metabolism, antioxidant, and immune capabilities of yellow-feathered broilers.

Effects of sodium humate and glutamine combined supplementation on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, blood parameters, and intestinal microflora of weaned calves

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sodium humate (HNa) and glutamine (Gln) alone or combined supplementation on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, blood parameters, and intestinal microflora of weaned Holstein calves. In a 14-day experiment, 40 calves at 51 ± 3 days of age were randomly allocated to four treatment groups: (1) NC (basal diet), (2) NC + 5% HNa, (3) NC + 1% Gln, and (4) NC + 5% HNa + 1% Gln. Calves combined supplementation with HNa and Gln had a higher (P < .05) ADG, serum concentration of glucose (GLU), IgA, and IgG but lower fecal scores, diarrhea incidence, serum concentration of TNF-α, and IL-10 compared with NC group (P < .05). Compared with NC group, HNa + Gln group showed higher (P < .05) serum GSH and T-AOC activities but lower (P < .05) concentration of MDA and D-lac. Furthermore, the abundances of Prevotella ruminicola, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus in rectal digesta were increased (P < .05), but the Escherichia coli was significantly decreased. In conclusion, combined supplementation with HNa and Gln can effectively improve the immune status, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microflora of the weaned calves while reducing diarrhea incidence.

The Effect of the Antimicrobial Peptide Plectasin on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Health, and Immune Function of Yellow-Feathered Chickens

The goal of the study was to test the effects of an antibiotic substitute, plectasin, on the growth performance, immune function, intestinal morphology and structure, intestinal microflora, ileal mucosal layer construction and tight junctions, ileal immune-related cytokines, and blood biochemical indices of yellow-feathered chickens. A total of 1,500 one-day-old yellow-feathered chicks were randomly divided into four dietary treatment groups with five replicates in each group and 75 yellow-feathered chicks in each replication, as follows: basal diet (group A); basal diet supplemented with 10 mg enramycin/kg of diet (group B), basal diet supplemented with 100 mg plectasin/kg of diet (group C), and basal diet supplemented with 200 mg plectasin/kg of diet (group D). It was found that the dietary antimicrobial peptide plectasin could improve the ADG and had better F/G for the overall period of 1–63 days. Dietary plectasin can enhance H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibody levels of yellow-feathered chickens at 21, and 35 days of age. Dietary plectasin can enhance the intestine structure, inhibit Escherichia coli and proinflammatory cytokines in the ileum, and ameliorate the blood biochemical indices of yellow-feathered chickens at 21 days of age. This study indicates that the antimicrobial peptide plectasin has beneficial effects on the growth performance, intestinal health and immune function of yellow-feathered chickens.