Effects of a yeast-derived product on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of broilers

Dietary supplementation of prebiotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall promotes growth performance and intestinal health in broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens

1. This study evaluated the effectiveness of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cell wall (YCW) supplementation on the growth performance, carcase characteristics, serum biomarkers, liver function, ileal histology and microbiota of broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens).2. In a 35-d trial, 240 chicks aged 1-d-old were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups, each with 10 replicates:   control (CON) with no challenge or additives, challenged with C. perfringens (CHAL), CHAL and supplemented with YCW at either 0.25 g/kg (YCW0.25) or 0.5 g/kg (YCW0.5).3. In comparison to CON, the CHAL birds had reduced growth performance, survival rate, dressing percentage, breast meat yield, levels of total protein (TP), globulin (GLO), glucose (GLU), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), as well as a decreased Lactobacillus population (P < 0.01). Additionally, this group showed elevated levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and C. perfringens count (P < 0.01). Compared to CHAL, the YCW0.25 or YCW0.5 groups had improved growth performance, survival rate, dressing percentage, breast meat yield, levels of TP, GLO, GLU, and T-AOC, as well as the activities of T-SOD, GOT, and GPT, villus height, villus surface area, villus height to crypt depth ratio, and the populations of both Lactobacillus and C. perfringens; (P < 0.01).4. The data suggested that YCW supplementation at either 0.25 or 0.50 g/kg can restore the growth performance of broiler chickens during a C. perfringens challenge.

Impact of dietary-nucleotides and Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derivatives on growth-performance, antioxidant-capacity, immune-response, small-intestine histomorphometry, caecal-Clostridia, and litter-hygiene of broiler-chickens treated with florfenicol

Stress in poultry production is energy-demanding. Nucleotides and yeast cell-wall products are essential nutrients for broiler performance, gut function, and immune response. Antibiotics, like florfenicol, negatively affect the immune system. A total of 600 one-d-old broiler chickens (Cobb-500) were weighed and randomly allotted into four groups with three replicates each. The control group (G1) received the basal diet, G2 received a diet supplemented with a combination of nucleotides and Saccharomyces cerevisiae derivatives (250 g/Ton), G3 received the basal diet and medicated with florfenicol (25 mg/Kg body weight) in drinking water for 5 days, while G4 received a combination of nucleotides and Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derivatives (250 g/Ton) and medicated with florfenicol in drinking water. Growth performance criteria were recorded weekly. Blood, intestinal contents, small-intestine sections, and litter samples were collected to measure birds' performance, carcass yields, leukocytic counts, antioxidant capacity, antibody titres, phagocytic index, caecal Clostridia, intestinal histomorphometry, and litter hygiene. Nucleotide-supplemented groups (G2 and G4) revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvements in feed conversion, and body weight, but not for carcass yields in comparison to the control. Dietary nucleotides in G2 elevated blood total proteins, leucocytic count, antioxidant capacity, and phagocytic index, while they lowered blood lipids and litter moisture and nitrogen (p ≤ 0.05). Dietary nucleotides in G4 ameliorated the immunosuppressive effect of florfenicol (p ≤ 0.05) indicated in reducing caecal Clostridia, improving duodenal and ileal villi length, and increasing blood albumin and globulin levels, and phagocytosis%. Supplementing diets with nucleotides and yeast products has improved the immune system and provided a healthier gut for broilers.

Different levels of single-strain probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) with proteolytic enzyme (serratiopeptidase) can be used as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler

In the current study, the proteolytic enzyme (serratiopeptidase) was used to enhance the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) probiotic as a growth promotor in broiler chicken. The effects of serratiopeptidase on the efficacy of different levels of B. subtilis as a growth promotor in broiler chicks were evaluated regarding growth performance traits, villus histomorphometric characterization, and intestinal microbiota count. Day-old broiler chicks (n = 120) were allocated into 4 groups having 3 replicates/group. In the control group (C), the basal diet was kept without supplementation. In treatment groups (P100, P150, and P200), the basal diet was supplemented with 100, 150, and 200 mg probiotics, respectively besides 30 mg proteolytic enzyme in the 3 treated groups for 4 wk. The performance parameters were significantly affected by the supplementation of serratiopeptidase to the B. subtilis treatment groups. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and dressing percent were significantly improved in the treatment groups as compared to the control group. Significantly, the lowest feed intake was recorded for the P200 group. The highest body weight gain and dressing percentage were recorded for the P200 group. An improved FCR was recorded in the P200 group (1.7) as compared to the control group. The different levels of B. subtilis supplemented with serratiopeptidase revealed significant improvements (P<0.05) in the morphology of the intestine by showing increases in villus height and width and crypt depth of the small intestine. The microbial count revealed that E. coli and salmonella colonies were significantly reduced in the P200 group as compared to the control and other treatment groups. In conclusion, the supplementation of B. subtilis with serratiopeptidase as a growth promoter in broiler chicks significantly improved the overall performance, and intestinal health and reduced microbial load contributing to optimizing the performance of broiler chickens. The greatest improvement was observed in the P200 group fed with B. subtilis as a probiotic and serratiopeptidase enzyme (200 mg:30 mg).

Effect of Cyberlindnera jadinii yeast on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut health of broiler chickens from 1 to 34 d of age

The effect of dietary graded levels of Cyberlindnera jadinii yeast (C. jadinii) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut health of broilers was evaluated from 1 to 34 d of age. A total of 360 male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (6 replicate pens each) consisting of a wheat-soybean meal-based pelleted diet (Control or CJ0), and 3 diets in which 10% (CJ10), 20% (CJ20), and 30% (CJ30) of the crude protein were supplied by C. jadinii, by gradually replacing protein-rich ingredients. Body weight and feed intake were measured at d 1, 11, 22, and 32. Pellet temperature, durability, and hardness increased linearly (P < 0.05) with C. jadinii inclusion, with highest (P < 0.05) values for CJ30. Up until d 22, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was similar between treatments (P = 0.169). Overall, increasing C. jadinii inclusion linearly increased (P = 0.047) feed intake but had no effect on weight gain or mortality. FCR increased (P < 0.05) linearly with increasing C. jadinii inclusion but only birds fed CJ30 had a significantly poorer FCR compared to the Control. Ileal digestibility was not affected by C. jadinii inclusion, however, there was a significant linear decrease in crude protein and phosphorus, and a tendency for a decrease in fat digestibility. Apparent metabolizable energy (AME) decreased (P < 0.001) quadratically with increasing C. jadinii and was significantly lower in CJ30 compared to the Control. Ileal concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were not affected by C. jadinii inclusion, but butyric acid and total VFAs were linearly and quadratically increased and were significantly higher in cecal digesta of birds fed CJ20 and CJ30. Increasing C. jadinii inclusion was associated with an increase (P < 0.05) in the relative abundance of lactobacillus in the ileum and cecum. In conclusion, C. jadinii yeast can supply up to 20% of the total dietary protein without negatively affecting performance, digestibility, or gut health of broilers. The potential confounding role of feed processing and C. jadinii cell wall components on broiler performance is discussed.

Effect of Immunomodulation in Turkeys Infected with Haemorrhagic Enteritis Virus on the Percentage of CD4+ and CD8α+ T Lymphocyte Subpopulations Synthesising IFN-γ

Introduction

Haemorrhagic enteritis virus (HEV) is a common turkey pathogen which suppresses the immune function. The immunosuppressive potential of both field and vaccine strains of HEV makes it necessary to seek substances which can limit or prevent this phenomenon. The aim of the presented work was to investigate the effect of two immunomodulators in the immune response of HEV-infected turkeys. The immunomodulators were synthetic methisoprinol and a natural preparation containing 34.2% β-glucans (β-1,3/1,6) and 12% mannan oligosaccharides (MOS).

Material and Methods

The synthetic immunomodulator was administered to female Big 6 turkey chicks at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. in drinking water i) for 3 days before, ii) for 5 days after, or iii) for 3 days before, on the day of infection, and for 5 days after experimental HEV infection in turkeys. The natural counterpart was also given to female Big 6 turkey chicks at a dose of 500 g/tonne of feed i) for 14 days before, ii) for 5 days after, or iii) for 14 days before, on the day of infection, and for 5 days after infection. Their effect was evaluated on the synthesis of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) by splenic CD4+ and CD8α+ T cells in response to mitogen stimulation in vitro. Samples were taken 3, 5 and 7 days after infection and analysed by intracellular cytokine staining assay.

Results

Methisoprinol was shown to increase the CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺ and CD8α⁺IFN-γ⁺ T cell count in these birds over the same cell count in control turkeys. A similar effect was obtained in turkeys that received the natural immunomodulator.

Conclusion

The evaluated immunomodulators may be used to attenuate the effects of immunosuppression in HEV-infected turkeys.

Microbiome-metabolome analysis reveals alterations in the composition and metabolism of caecal microbiota and metabolites with dietary Enteromorpha polysaccharide and Yeast glycoprotein in chickens

The intestinal microbiome is responsible for the fermentation of complex carbohydrates and orchestrates the immune system through gut microbiota-derived metabolites. In our previous study, we reported that supplementation of Enteromorpha polysaccharide (EP) and yeast glycoprotein (YG) in combination synergistically improved antioxidant activities, serum lipid profile, and fatty acid metabolism in chicken. However, the mechanism of action of these polysaccharides remains elusive. The present study used an integrated 16S-rRNA sequencing technology and untargeted metabolomics technique to reveal the mechanism of action of EP+YG supplementation in broiler chickens fed basal diet or diets supplemented with EP+YG (200mg/kg EP + 200mg/kg YG). The results showed that EP+YG supplementation altered the overall structure of caecal microbiota as evidenced by β diversities analysis. Besides, EP+YG supplementation changed the microbiota composition by altering the community profile at the phylum and genus levels. Furthermore, Spearman correlation analysis indicated a significant correlation between altered microbiota genera vs serum cytokine levels and microbiota genera vs volatile fatty acids production. Predicted functional analysis showed that EP+YG supplementation significantly enriched amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, energy metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism. Metabolomics analysis confirmed that EP+YG supplementation modulates a myriad of caecal metabolites by increasing some metabolites, including pyruvic acid, pyridoxine, spermidine, spermine, and dopamine, and decreasing metabolites related to lipid metabolisms such as malonic acid, oleic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. The quantitative enrichment analysis results further showed that glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, citric acid cycle, tyrosine metabolism, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism were the most important enriched pathways identified with enrichment ratio >11, whereas, fatty acid biosynthesis and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids pathways were suppressed. Together, the 16S-rRNA and untargeted metabolomics results uncovered that EP+YG supplementation modulates intestinal microbiota and their metabolites, thereby influencing the important metabolism pathways, suggesting a potential feed additive.

Enteromorpha polysaccharide and yeast glycoprotein mixture improves growth, antioxidant activity, serum lipid profile and regulates lipid metabolism in broiler chickens

This study aimed to analyze the growth performance, antioxidant activity, serum lipid profile, meat quality, and lipid metabolism of broiler chickens fed mixtures containing Enteromorpha polysaccharide (EP) and yeast glycoprotein (YG). A total of 400 one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups of 10 replicates with 10 birds each replicate. The dietary treatments consisted of the control group (fed basal diet), and diets supplemented with Enteromorpha polysaccharide (EP; 400 mg/kg), yeast glycoprotein (YG;400 mg/kg), and EP+YG (200 mg/kg EP + 200 mg/kg YG). Compared with the control group, EP+YG supplementation enhanced growth performance and significantly reduced (P < 0.05) serum total triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), and low-density lipoprotein LDL levels, and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Besides, birds fed EP+YG supplemented diet exhibited higher (P < 0.05) serum catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lower malonaldehyde (MDA) activities, and upregulated expressions of related genes, such as nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), SOD1, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the liver and intestinal tissues than the control group. Interestingly, higher (P < 0.05) serum SOD and lower MDA contents were observed in the EP+YG group than in either EP or YG group, suggesting a synergetic effect. Breast meat from EP+YG supplemented group had significantly higher redness value (a*), and lower pH24, total saturated fatty acid profiles, C14:0, C16:0, C18:0 fatty acid, atherogenic index, and thrombogenicity index than meat from the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA expressions of fatty acid synthesis genes were downregulated (P < 0.05), whereas lipid β-oxidation-related genes were upregulated (P < 0.05) in the liver of the EP+YG supplemented group than in the control group. Overall, our data suggest that dietary EP+YG inclusion may have a synergistic effect, and therefore improve growth performance, regulate serum biochemical indexes, enhance antioxidant activity, and modulate lipid metabolism in broilers, indicating that it is a potential feed additive for chickens.

Yeast-Derived Products: The Role of Hydrolyzed Yeast and Yeast Culture in Poultry Nutrition—A Review

Simple Summary

Yeast and yeast-derived products are largely employed in animal nutrition to support animals’ health and to improve their performance. Thanks to their components, including mannans, β-glucans, nucleotides, vitamins, and other compounds, yeasts have numerous beneficial effects. Among yeast-derived products, hydrolyzed yeasts and yeast cultures have received less attention, but, although the results are somewhat conflicting, in most of the cases, the available literature shows improved performance and health in poultry. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of hydrolyzed-yeast and yeast-culture employment in poultry nutrition, exploring their effects on the production performance, immune response, oxidative status, gut health, and nutrient digestibility. A brief description of the main yeast bioactive compounds is also provided.

Abstract

Yeasts are single-cell eukaryotic microorganisms that are largely employed in animal nutrition for their beneficial effects, which are owed to their cellular components and bioactive compounds, among which are mannans, β-glucans, nucleotides, mannan oligosaccharides, and others. While the employment of live yeast cells as probiotics in poultry nutrition has already been largely reviewed, less information is available on yeast-derived products, such as hydrolyzed yeast (HY) and yeast culture (YC). The aim of this review is to provide the reader with an overview of the available body of literature on HY and YC and their effects on poultry. A brief description of the main components of the yeast cell that is considered to be responsible for the beneficial effects on animals’ health is also provided. HY and YC appear to have beneficial effects on the poultry growth and production performance, as well as on the immune response and gut health. Most of the beneficial effects of HY and YC have been attributed to their ability to modulate the gut microbiota, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing pathogen colonization. However, there are still many areas to be investigated to better understand and disentangle the effects and mechanisms of action of HY and YC.

Effects of yeast hydrolysate supplementation on intestinal morphology, barrier, and anti-inflammatory functions of broilers

Objective

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary yeast hydrolysate (YH) supplementation on intestinal morphology, barrier, and anti-inflammatory functions of broilers.

Methods

A total of 320 one day old male broilers were randomly allocated into four groups with eight replicates of ten broilers each. The broilers were supplemented with a basal diet (the control group) or basal diets adding 50, 100, 150 mg/kg YH, respectively. This trial lasted for 42 days. The orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine the linear and quadratic effects of increasing levels of YH.

Results

In our previous research, supplementing YH improved growth performance by enhancing body weight gain but decreased feed-to-gain ratio. In this study, compared with the control group, dietary YH addition linearly and quadratically decreased serum diamine oxidase activity (p<0.05). Additionally, supplementing YH linearly and/or quadratically decreased jejunal crypt depth (CD), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentration as well as mucin 2, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, TNF-α, nuclear factor kappa B, and myeloid differentiation factor 88 gene expression levels (p<0.05). Whereas the jejunal villus height (VH), VH/CD, IL-10 concentration as well as zonula occludens-1 and IL-10 gene expression levels were linearly and/or quadratically increased by YH supplementation (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Dietary YH supplementation improved intestinal morphology, barrier and anti-inflammatory functions while decreased intestinal permeability of broilers, which might be related with altering pertinent genes expression. This study provides evidence of YH as a promising feed additive for broilers.