Tall oil fatty acid inclusion in the diet improves performance and increases ileal density of lactobacilli in broiler chickens

Dietary supplementation with natural antioxidants: assessment of growth performance and meat quality in broiler chickens

Exposure to air and light lowers the meat quality of chickens, which is mainly determined by the color alteration and accumulation of detrimental products from lipid oxidation. This study tests the effects of 2 supplements rich in polyphenols, Oxilem (OX) and OxiGem (OG), on broiler Ross 308 performance and meat quality in comparison to a control group (C). A total of 105 one-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were allocated to 21 pens and randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 treatments. The trial lasted 42 d. Individual live weight and feed intake per pen were recorded. Proximate analysis, color, cholesterol content and cholesterol oxidation products (COPs), fatty acids (FAs), volatile aldehydes profile, and secondary oxidation products of meat FAs were determined, with analyses for detecting oxidative alterations conducted on breast burgers preserved for 7 d at 4°C. Birds fed OG grew 7 g/d more than those receiving OX, reaching a higher final weight. After slaughtering, meat from the OX group had a higher yellow index compared to C. After 7 d of air and light exposure, the influence on the color parameters of the OG and OX burgers was significantly less pronounced than that of C. Secondary oxidation products of the FAs of the burgers were not significantly affected by the diet regimens. In addition, OX and OG burgers exhibited lower amounts of volatile aldehydes, triol and COPs. These results confirm the effectiveness of OX and OG supplementation against lipid oxidation at the inclusion level used in this trial.

Effect of dietary tall oil fatty acids and hydrolysed yeast in SNP2-positive and SNP2-negative piglets challenged with F4 enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

Reduction of post-weaning diarrhoea caused by ETEC is a principal objective in pig farming in terms of welfare benefits. This study determined the effects of genetic susceptibility and dietary strategies targeting inflammation and fimbriae adherence on F4-ETEC shedding and diarrhoea in weaned piglets in an experimental challenge model. A DNA marker test targeting single nucleotide polymorphism 2 (SNP2) identified piglets as heterozygous (SNP2+, susceptible) or homozygous (SNP2-, resistant) to developing F4ac-ETEC diarrhoea. A total of 50 piglets, 25 SNP2+ and 25 SNP2-, were weaned at 30 days of age and equally distributed to different treatments (n = 10): Positive control (PC): piglets fed with a negative control diet and provided with colistin via drinking water; Negative control (NC): piglets fed with a negative control diet; Tall oil fatty acids (TOFA): piglets fed with a negative control diet + 1.0 g TOFA/kg feed; Yeast hydrolysate (YH): piglets fed with a negative control diet + 1.5 g YH/kg feed derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae; and Combination (COM): piglets fed with a negative control diet + 1.0 g TOFA and 1.5 g YH/kg feed. On day 10 post-weaning, all piglets were infected with F4-ETEC by oral administration. Piglets fed with PC, TOFA, YH or COM had a lower faecal shedding of F4-ETEC than NC piglets (P < 0.001), which was also shorter in duration for PC and TOFA piglets than for NC piglets (P < 0.001). Piglets in PC, TOFA, YH and COM had a shorter diarrhoea duration versus NC when classified as SNP2+ (P = 0.02). Furthermore, PC, TOFA and YH piglets grew more than NC and COM piglets in the initial post-inoculation period (P < 0.001). In addition, the level of faecal F4-ETEC shedding and the percentage of pigs that developed F4-ETEC diarrhoea (72 vs. 32%, P < 0.01) following infection were higher, and the duration of F4-ETEC diarrhoea longer (2.6 vs. 0.6 days, P < 0.001), in SNP2+ piglets than in SNP2- piglets, and led to reduced growth performance (P = 0.03). In conclusion, piglets fed with TOFA, YH or their combination, irrespective of their SNP2 status, are more resilient to F4-ETEC infection. Moreover, SNP2+ piglets show a higher level of F4-ETEC shedding and diarrhoea prevalence than SNP2- piglets, confirming an association between SNP2 and F4ac-ETEC susceptibility.

Tolerability of graded levels of tall oil fatty acids as a nutritional additive for broiler chickens: a 45-day target animal safety study

1. The following study was conducted to evaluate the tolerability of tall oil fatty acid (TOFA) to broiler chickens, at 3 graded levels as a nutritional additive in complete feed.2. 256 one-day-old female and male Cobb 500 broiler chickens were assigned to four dietary treatment groups with TOFA at 0 (control), 1.0, 3.0, or 5.0 g/kg complete feed for 45 days.3. Birds were weighed individually on days 0, 16, 31, and 45, and the feed intake, bird weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were calculated for the respective starter, grower and finisher phases and over the whole study. On day 45, blood samples were drawn from each bird for haematology and blood chemistry measurements. Two birds per pen were subjected to gross pathological examination and sampling of several tissues for histopathology, including weighing the liver.4. The dietary treatments did not affect zootechnical performance parameters or mortality over the whole study period. Bird performance was typical for the breed.5. Haematology, clinical chemistry and histopathology did not reveal any changes associated with dietary TOFA dosing. However, the 5.0 g/kg dose level increased the relative weight of the liver, as a percentage of final body weight, compared to the control group, but there was lack of corresponding histopathology findings.6. In conclusion, the study indicated that oral administration of TOFA for 45 days in feed was well tolerated by the birds at dietary levels of up to 5.0 g/kg.

Chicken jejunal microbiota improves growth performance by mitigating intestinal inflammation

Background

Intestinal inflammation is prevalent in chicken, which results in decreased growth performance and considerable economic losses. Accumulated findings established the close relationship between gut microbiota and chicken growth performance. However, whether gut microbiota impacts chicken growth performance by lessening intestinal inflammation remains elusive.

Results

Seven-weeks-old male and female chickens with the highest or lowest body weights were significantly different in breast and leg muscle indices and average cross-sectional area of muscle cells. 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated Gram-positive bacteria, such as Lactobacilli, were the predominant species in high body weight chickens. Conversely, Gram-negative bacteria, such as Comamonas, Acinetobacter, Brucella, Escherichia-Shigella, Thermus, Undibacterium, and Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium were significantly abundant in low body weight chickens. Serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level was significantly higher in low body weight chickens (101.58 ± 5.78 ng/mL) compared with high body weight chickens (85.12 ± 4.79 ng/mL). The expression of TLR4, NF-κB, MyD88, and related inflammatory cytokines in the jejunum was significantly upregulated in low body weight chickens, which led to the damage of gut barrier integrity. Furthermore, transferring fecal microbiota from adult chickens with high body weight into 1-day-old chicks reshaped the jejunal microbiota, mitigated inflammatory response, and improved chicken growth performance.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that jejunal microbiota could affect chicken growth performance by mitigating intestinal inflammation.

Evaluating the effects of high-oil rapeseed cake or natural additives on methane emissions and performance of dairy cows

We evaluated the potential of feeding high-oil rapeseed cake or natural additives as rumen modifiers on enteric methane (CH₄) emissions, nutrient utilization, performance, and milk fatty acid (FA) profile of dairy cows. Eight Nordic Red dairy cows averaging (mean ± SD) 81 ± 21 d in milk and 41.0 ± 1.9 kg of milk yield at the beginning of the study were randomly assigned to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Treatments comprised grass silage-based diets (45:55 forage to concentrate ratio on dry matter basis) including (1) control containing 19.3% rapeseed meal (CON), (2) CON with full replacement of rapeseed meal with rapeseed cake (RSC), (3) supplementation of CON with 50 g/d of yeast hydrolysate product plus coniferous resin acid-based compound (YHR), and (4) supplementation of CON with 20 g/d of combination of garlic-citrus extract and essential oils in a pellet (GCE). Apparent total-tract digestibility was measured using total collection of feces, and CH₄ emissions were measured in respiratory chambers on 4 consecutive days. Data collected during d 17 and 21 in each period were used for ANOVA analysis using a mixed model. Treatments did not affect dry matter intake (DMI), whereas feeding RSC increased crude protein and ether extract digestibility compared with the other diets. Emissions of CH₄ per day, per kilogram of DMI, and per kilogram of energy-corrected milk, and gross energy intake were lower for RSC compared with other diets. We found no effect of YHR on daily CH₄ emissions, whereas CH₄ yield (g of CH₄/kg of DMI or as percentage of gross energy intake) decreased with GCE compared with CON. Treatments did not influence energy balance. Further, RSC reduced the proportion of N intake excreted in feces, and YHR improved N balance compared with CON diet. Feeding RSC resulted in greatest yields of milk and energy-corrected milk, and feed efficiency. Relative to the CON diet, RSC decreased saturated FA by 10% in milk fat by increasing cis-monounsaturated FA but also increased the proportion of trans FA. Proportion of odd- and branched-chain FA increased with GCE and YHR compared with CON. We conclude that replacing rapeseed meal by rapeseed cake decreased CH₄ emissions, whereas YHR or GCE had no effect on CH₄ emissions in this study.

Dietary Resin Acid Concentrate Improved Performance of Broiler Chickens and Litter Quality in Three Experiments

Simple Summary

Resin acids are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds derived from spruce and pine trees. In a previous study, in which a mixture of resin acids and fatty acids from pine and spruce trees was added to the feeds of broiler chickens, they grew heavier, and their footpads stayed in better condition. Here, three separate trials were conducted to study whether dietary resin acids without the fatty acids have the same effects on broiler chickens. Broiler chicken diets were amended with different dosages of a resin acid concentrate product. Bird weight gain increased, and the efficiency of broiler production was improved when the resin acid concentrate was added to the diet at 125–250 g/ton. The litter material of pens stayed drier in resin acid concentrate groups, which may indicate better intestinal condition of the birds. However, the footpad condition was unaffected by the experimental diets. The results suggest that the resin acid concentrate improves bird weight gain and the efficiency of broiler production. Therefore, the resin acid concentrate may be a promising feed additive for broiler chickens.

Abstract

Dietary coniferous resin acids have previously been suggested to support the intestinal integrity of broiler chickens by reducing mucosal collagen degradation. The present study examined the effects of resin acid concentrate (RAC) on broiler performance and litter quality. In trial 1, RAC was added to diets at 0, 125, 250, or 1250 g/ton, while in trials 2 and 3, RAC dosing was 0 or 175 g/ton. Bird weight, feed consumption, mortality, feed conversion ratio (FCR), European Efficiency Index (EEI), litter moisture, and footpad dermatitis (FPD) lesions were measured. In trial 1, RAC at 125 and 250 g/ton improved weight gain and EEI, while RAC at 1250 g/ton group did not differ from control. Feed consumption, FCR, FPD scores and mortality were similar in all treatments, but litter quality was improved by all doses of RAC. In trials 2 and 3, RAC increased the final weight of birds, improved FCR, EEI, and litter quality, but had no effects in other parameters. In summary, RAC at 125–250 g/ton improved bird performance and thus shows promise as a feed additive. The dryer litter in RAC treatments may suggest improved intestinal condition as a response to in-feed resin acids.

In-Feed Supplementation of Resin Acid-Enriched Composition Modulates Gut Microbiota, Improves Growth Performance, and Reduces Post-Weaning Diarrhea and Gut Inflammation in Piglets

The weaning process represents a delicate phase for piglets, and is often characterized by lower feed intake, lower weight gain, diarrhea, and ultimately increased mortality. We aimed to determine the effects of RAC supplementation in diets on improving piglet growth and vitality, reducing post-weaning diarrhea, and enhancing gut health. In a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment, we selected forty sows and their piglets. Piglets were followed until seven weeks of age. There were no significant differences found between RAC treated and control piglets until weaning (p = 0.26). However, three weeks after weaning, RAC treated piglets had higher body weight and average daily growth (ADG) than the control piglets (p = 0.003). In addition, the piglets that received RAC after weaning, irrespective of mother or prior creep feed treatment, had lower post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) and fecal myeloperoxidase (MPO) level than control piglets. Gut microbiota analysis in post-weaning piglets revealed that RAC supplementation significantly increased Lachnospiraceae_unclassified, Blautia, Butyricicoccus, Gemmiger and Holdemanella, and decreased Bacteroidales_unclassified. Overall, RAC supplementation to piglets modulated post-weaning gut microbiota, improved growth performance after weaning, reduced post-weaning diarrhea and reduced fecal myeloperoxidase levels. We therefore consider RAC to be a potential natural feed supplement to prevent enteric infections and improve growth performance in weaning piglets.

Distribution, Metabolism, and Recovery of Resin Acids in the Intestine and Tissues of Broiler Chickens in a Feeding Trial With Tall Oil Fatty Acid-Supplemented Diets

Tall oil fatty acids (TOFA) are novel, health-improving feed ingredients which have been shown to improve the performance of broiler chickens. TOFA contains resin acids, the suggested key components for its beneficial effects. For product safety, possible accumulation of TOFA components in tissues consumed by end-users is an issue of major importance. Wheat-soy-based diets with an indigestible marker and TOFA at 0, 750 and 3,000 g/t were fed to broiler chickens for 5 weeks; 11 replicate pens/treatment. Deposition of resin acids was assessed by analyzing jejunal tissue, breast muscle, abdominal fat, blood, liver, bile, and digesta along the intestinal tract at the end of the 35-day trial. Both free and conjugated resin acids were quantified. With TOFA 3,000 g/t diet, 30% of ingested resin acids could not be recovered from jejunal digesta. Also, a proportion representing 45% of resin acids fed were in conjugated form and thus had already re-entered the intestine from the bile duct. This means that at least 75% of resin acids ingested had become absorbed in, or proximal to jejunum. Recovery of resin acids in excreta was 45 and 70% when TOFA was fed at 750 and 3,000 g/t, respectively. Based on recovery data, of the estimated 1,087 mg of resin acids ingested by birds on the high TOFA dose during their lifetime, about 330 mg was unaccounted for. In analysis of jejunal tissue, blood, liver, bile, breast muscle, and abdominal tissue, <1 mg of resin acids was found after the 35-day trial when TOFA at the 4-fold the recommended dose was fed. It is likely that the host or microbiota mineralized or converted one-third of resin acids to a form that escaped analysis. TOFA at 3,000 g/t dose caused no detectable adverse effects in broiler chickens. Based on analysis of breast meat and liver, the common edible tissues, a human consumer would ingest <100 μg of resin acids in a single meal. That is one-thousandth of the dose shown to be harmless in rodents. Thus, unintentional exposure of human consumers to resin acids is marginal, and posed no safety concerns.

In-feed resin acids reduce matrix metalloproteinase activity in the ileal mucosa of healthy broilers without inducing major effects on the gut microbiota

The chicken gut is constantly exposed to harmful molecules and microorganisms which endanger the integrity of the intestinal wall. Strengthening intestinal mucosal integrity is a key target for feed additives that aim to promote intestinal health in broilers. Recently, dietary inclusion of resin-based products has been shown to increase broiler performance. However, the mode of action is still largely unexplored. Coniferous resin acids are known for their anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, all properties that might support broiler intestinal health. In the current study, the effect of pure resin acids on broiler intestinal health was explored. Ross 308 broilers were fed a diet supplemented with coniferous resin acids for 22 days, after which the effect on both the intestinal microbiota as well as on the intestinal tissue morphology and activity of host collagenases was assessed. Dietary inclusion of resin acids did not alter the morphology of the healthy intestine and only minor effects on the intestinal microbiota were observed. However, resin acids-supplementation reduced both duodenal inflammatory T cell infiltration and small intestinal matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity towards collagen type I and type IV. Reduced breakdown of collagen type I and IV might indicate a protective effect of resin acids on intestinal barrier integrity by preservation of the basal membrane and the extracellular matrix. Further studies are needed to explore the protective effects of resin acids on broiler intestinal health under sub-optimal conditions and to elaborate our knowledge on the mechanisms behind the observed effects.

Late gestation diet supplementation of resin acid-enriched composition increases sow colostrum immunoglobulin G content, piglet colostrum intake and improve sow gut microbiota

Resin acid-enriched composition (RAC) mainly containing tall oil fatty acid with an active component of resin acid (RA) can improve the microbial population in the digestive system, change the microbial fermentation, and improve the feed conversion ratio. We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of RAC on sow colostrum yield (CY), colostrum composition and gut microbiota. Tall oil fatty acid and RA are commonly termed RAC and CLA, pinolenic, abietic, dehydrobiotic acids are characteristic components of RAC. The experiment was conducted in three trials in three respective herds. Sows were fed with a control diet and the same diet supplemented with 5 g RAC/day per sow during the last week of gestation. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing technique was used to assess sows' faecal microbiota populations at farrowing. Colostrum nutritional composition, acute phase proteins (APPs) and immunoglobulin (Ig) content were also assessed. Individual piglets were weighed at birth and 24 h after the birth of first piglets in order to calculate CY and later at 3 to 4 weeks to calculate average daily gain. The RAC-fed sows had significantly higher IgG levels (P0.05), but those fed RAC had higher levels of colostrum serum amyloid A. Colostrum yield was significantly higher in RAC-fed sows in herds 2 and 3 with heavier piglets between 3 and 4 weeks of age (P0.05). Resin acid-enriched composition supplementation significantly increased some beneficial and fermentative bacteria (Romboutsia and Clostridium sensu stricto) than the control diet (P<0.01) while some opportunistic pathogens (Barnesiella, Sporobacter, Intestinimonas and Campylobacter), including Proteobacteria, were suppressed. Therefore, RAC added to the sow diet at late pregnancy increases colostrum IgG, colostrum availability for neonate piglets, and seems to promote better maternal intestinal microbial sources.