Effect of low- or high-CP diet with cold-pressed oil supplementation on growth, immunity and antioxidant indices of growing quail

Mechanistic Approaches to the Application of Nano-Zinc in the Poultry and Biomedical Industries: A Comprehensive Review of Future Perspectives and Challenges

Bio-fortification is a new, viable, cost-effective, and long-term method of administering crucial minerals to a populace with limited exposure to diversified foods and other nutritional regimens. Nanotechnology entities aid in the improvement of traditional nutraceutical absorption, digestibility, and bio-availability. Nano-applications are employed in poultry systems utilizing readily accessible instruments and processes that have no negative impact on animal health and welfare. Nanotechnology is a sophisticated innovation in the realm of biomedical engineering that is used to diagnose and cure various poultry ailments. In the 21st century, zinc nanoparticles had received a lot of considerable interest due to their unusual features. ZnO NPs exhibit antibacterial properties; however, the qualities of nanoparticles (NPs) vary with their size and structure, rendering them adaptable to diverse uses. ZnO NPs have shown remarkable promise in bio-imaging and drug delivery due to their high bio-compatibility. The green synthesized nanoparticles have robust biological activities and are used in a variety of biological applications across industries. The current review also discusses the formulation and recent advancements of zinc oxide nanoparticles from plant sources (such as leaves, stems, bark, roots, rhizomes, fruits, flowers, and seeds) and their anti-cancerous activities, activities in wound healing, and drug delivery, followed by a detailed discussion of their mechanisms of action.

Dietary Protein Levels Modulate the Antioxidant Capacity during Different Growth Stages in Huanjiang Mini-Pigs

Adequate crude protein (CP) levels in diets play potential roles in swine production. This study determined the impacts of different CP levels on the antioxidant capacity of pigs during different body weight (BW) stages. Three hundred and sixty Huanjiang mini-pigs were allocated to one of three independent experiments, including a 5−10 kg BW group, where CP levels included 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, and 22%; a 10−20 kg BW group, where CP levels included 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, and 20%; and a 20−30 kg BW group, where CP levels included 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, and 18%. These independent experiments were conducted for 28, 28, and 26 days, respectively. Results showed that the 20% CP level increased (p < 0.05) the plasma CAT and GSH-Px activities and the GSH concentration of pigs than in the pigs supplemented with the 14−18% CP levels, and the 20% CP level up-regulated (p < 0.05) the ileal oxidative stress-related gene expression levels of pigs than in the pigs supplemented with the 14% CP level at the 5−10 kg BW. In addition, diets supplemented with 18% CP level increased (p < 0.05) the ileal GSH concentration of pigs than in the pigs supplemented with the 14% and 20% CP levels, and the 16−18% CP levels increased (p < 0.05) the jejunal SOD activity of pigs than in the pigs supplemented with the 14% CP level. At 10−20 kg BW, the 16% CP level presented the strongest jejunal and ileal antioxidant capacity, the 18% CP level had the lowest plasma concentrations of MDA and highest GSH, and the 14−16% CP levels increased the plasma CAT and SOD activities (p < 0.05). Moreover, the 16−20% CP levels up-regulated (p < 0.05) the oxidative stress-related gene expression levels. At 20−30 kg BW, diets supplemented with the 16% CP level increased the plasma CAT activity of pigs than in the pigs supplemented with the 12−14% CP levels, and the 14−16% CP levels decreased the MDA concentration compared with the 10% CP levels (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these findings indicate adequate CP levels of 20%, 16%, and 14% for Huanjiang mini-pigs at the 5−10, 10−20, and 20−30 kg BW stages, respectively.

The Effects of Dietary Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL106 Supplementation, as an Alternative to Antibiotics, on Growth Performance, Intestinal Immunity, Epithelial Barrier Integrity, and Intestinal Microbiota in Broilers

A total of 240 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly divided into five dietary treatments (control feed (CON), supplemented with 75 mg/kg aureomycin (ANT), supplemented with 7.5 × 108 CFU/kg (Ba1) and 2.5 × 109 CFU/kg (Ba1), and 7.5 × 109 CFU/kg (Ba3) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL106, respectively) to investigate the probiotic effect of TL106 instead of antibiotics in broilers. On days 1−21, the average daily gain of broilers in the Ba groups was increased compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). In addition, the feed/gain ratio of broilers in the Ba groups was lower than that of broilers in the CON and ANT groups on days 22−42 and days 1−42 (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, dietary TL106 increased the digestibility of crude fiber and crude protein (p < 0.05), and the effect was similar to that of the ANT group. The levels of IL-1β, IFN-γ, and IL-6 in serum, jejunum, and ileum of broilers fed TL106 were decreased compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of tight junction proteins in broilers of ANT and Ba groups was higher than the control group (p < 0.05). After 21 days, villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of duodenum and jejunum of broilers fed TL106 were higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids such as lactate, acetate, propionate, and butyrate in cecal digesta of broilers dietary TL106 were higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The supplementation with TL106 altered the compositions and diversity of the cecal microbiota of broilers. Moreover, supplementation with TL106 improved the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria on days 21 and 28, while the abundance of Peptostreptococcaceae, Ruminococcaceae and Lactobacillaceae was increased. On days 35 and 42, broilers fed TL106 had an increased total abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes and decreased abundances of Lactobacillaceae, while the abundance of Barnesiellaceae was increased. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with TL106 improved the broiler’s growth performance, immune response capacity, gut health, modulated development, and composition of the gut microbiota in broilers. It is suggested that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL106 may be a suitable alternative to in-feed antibiotics to improve broiler health and performance.

Ginger as a Natural Feed Supplement in Poultry Diets

Poultry ventures have progressed quickly over the last three decades. Therefore, curative or growth-promoting antibacterial agents have been utilized extensively. Because of increasing bacterial resistance towards antibiotics and, consequently, accumulation of antibacterial residues in chicken products and increased consumer’s demand for products without antibacterial residues, alternative solutions that could substitute antibiotics without affecting productivity or product quality should be attempted. Recently, natural replacements such as ginger, etheric oils, organic acids, garlic prebiotics, immune stimulants and plant extracts were used to improve productiveness, and body performance, prevent pathogenic microorganisms, and reduce antibacterial activity usage in poultry manufacturing. The utilization of a single alternative or a combination of variable replacements and perfect surveillance and flock health might improve the profits and sustain the productivity of poultry. This chapter aimed at summarizing the recent knowledge and information regarding the utilization of ginger and its derivatives as natural alternatives or supplements in poultry feed and their impacts on poultry productivity, meat and egg traits in addition to economic efficacy.

Supplementation of different zinc sources to low-CP diets and its effect on performance, carcass traits, liver and kidney functions, immunological, and antioxidant parameters of quail chicks

The present study was performed to evaluate the influence of low crude protein (CP) levels, zinc sources (organic as zinc methionine-Zn-Met and inorganic as zinc oxide-ZnO) and their interactions on growth performance, carcass traits, and blood components of growing Japanese quail. A total of 450 one-wk-old Japanese quail with the same body weights were randomly distributed into 9 groups of 50 birds. The 9-diet treatments comprised 3 levels of CP (20, 22, and 24%) and 3 Zn source (0 g of Zn/kg diet, 0.1 g ZnO/kg diet, and 0.1 g Zn-Met/kg diet). The results obtained from this study showed that there were no significant differences among the groups, except for differences in body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) at 3 to 5 – and 1 to 5 wk of age for quail supplemented with 24% and 20% CP. All the studied biochemical parameters were significantly influenced by different levels of CP and Zn, except urea and creatinine, which were affected by CP levels only. In conclusion, dietary protein level for growing Japanese quails could be reduced to 20% without negative effects on their performance, carcass traits, and blood metabolites.

Efficacy of in ovo delivered resveratrol (Trans 3, 4, 5-trihydroxystilbene) on growth, carcass weights, and blood metabolites of broiler chicks

This research aimed to determine the impact of in ovo resveratrol (RV) (Trans.3, 4, 5-trihydroxystilbene) injection on performance, carcass weights, and blood constituents in Cobb chicks. A total of 300 fertile broiler breeder eggs were divided into five treatments as 60 eggs in each group, with 6 replicates (10 eggs each). The groups were as follows: (1) negative control (without additive), (2) positive control (saline injection), (3) 1.5 mg RV, 4) 3.0 mg RV, and (5) 4.5 mg in ovo RV injections. Significant changes were found in the amount of forage consumed per day, and the feed conversion ratio between treatment groups. RV injection significantly altered the parameters of the complete lipid profile, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, and very low-density lipoproteins, in plasma. RV injection significantly affected blood biochemical parameters, including total protein, albumin, and globulin in broiler chicken plasma. Liver and kidney functions were influenced by the injection of RV eggs into broiler chickens. The antioxidant enzymes also changed significantly after RV injection. Moreover, in egg injection from RV the immunogenicity (IgG and IgM) in broiler chickens were significantly altered. In conclusion, in ovo injection with RV significantly improved liver and kidney functions, antioxidant activity, and immune function in Cobb broilers.

Dietary effect of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on quail performance, carcass, blood metabolites and intestinal microbiota

This study aimed to assess the impacts of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on the growth performance, carcass traits, intestinal microbiota, liver and kidney functions, immunity, oxidative status, and lipid profile of Japanese quails. A total of 200 one-week-old unsexed Japanese quails with an average initial body weight of 26.24 ± 0.2 g were randomly distributed into 5 equal groups of 40 birds and further subdivided into 5 replicates. The first (control) group was fed a diet without any licorice, while licorice powder was added at levels of 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg per kg diet in the second, third, fourth, and fifth groups, respectively. At the age of 3 wk, the group of quail fed on a diet supplemented with 750 and 1000 mg licorice/kg of diet gained the highest body weight (BW) and daily body weight (DBW), while attaining the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to other groups. Meanwhile, groups fed diets with licorice at levels of 0 and 250 mg/kg showed the highest feed intake. After the 5-wk feeding trial, the highest BW and DBW values, and the lowest FCR were recorded in the group fed with 750 mg licorice/kg diet. The different treatments produced no significant differences (P > 0.05) in quail carcass characteristics, including percentages of carcass, liver, gizzard, heart, giblets, and dressing. The blood of the group fed a 750 mg licorice diet had higher contents of total protein and GLOB, while its contents of A/G%, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were lower. Apart from the high level of licorice (1000 mg/kg), the MDA level was linearly and quadratically (P = 0.0413 and 0.001) decreased with different licorice groups, while superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and M (IgM) were quadratically increased when compared to the control group. Licorice supplementation resulted in marked reductions in the number of total bacteria, coliforms, E. coli, and Salmonella, compared to those in the control. In conclusion, the inclusion of licorice at levels of 750 and 1000 mg/kg into the diet of Japanese quail enhances the animal's performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and maintains a healthy gut microbiota.

Use of lemongrass essential oil as a feed additive in quail's nutrition: its effect on growth, carcass, blood biochemistry, antioxidant and immunological indices, digestive enzymes and intestinal microbiota

The present study was designed to assess the impact of dietary supplementation of lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) on growth performance, carcass traits, liver and kidney function, immunity, antioxidant indices and caecal microbiota of growing quail. A total of 200 Japanese quails at 1-week-old were haphazardly allotted to 5 groups of 40 chicks in five replicates (8 per replicate). The first group was the control group, while LGEO was added at levels of 150, 300, 450, and 600 mg/kg diet in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th groups, respectively. Dietary supplementation of LGEO (150, 300 and 450 mg/ kg diet) increased body weight at 3 and 5 wk of age, and increased body weight gain during all periods compared with the control group (P < 0.05). All levels of LGEO improved feed conversion ratio during the periods from 1 to 3 and 1 to 5 wk of age. During 3 to 5 wk, feed conversion ratio was improved in quails fed LGEO (300 and 450 mg/kg diet) compared with the control and other treatments. Carcass traits, plasma globulin, alanine aminotransferase, and urea values did not differ among the treatments (P > 0.05), but the activity of aspartate aminotransferase in the plasma was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in LGEO-treated groups. The total protein and albumin values were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in quails fed levels of LGEO (except 600 mg/kg diet) compared with the control. The inclusion of LGEO in quail diets improved (P < 0.05) plasma lipid profile. The dietary supplementation of LGEO increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) plasma immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, and IgA) levels, lysozyme values and activities of superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione and catalase compared with the control group. The caecal Coliform, E. coli and Salmonella were lowered (P < 0.0001) in the quails treated with all LGEO levels, but the total bacterial count and Lactobacillus count were increased with dietary supplementation of LGEO levels (300 and 450 mg/kg) compared with those in the control group. The activities of digestive enzymes were significantly higher in birds fed the diet supplemented with LGEO levels than those fed the control diet. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of LGEO can improve the performance, lipid profile, immunity and antioxidant indices and decline intestinal pathogens and thus boost the health status of growing quail.

Nanoemulsions of Satureja montana Essential Oil: Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity against Avian Escherichia coli Strains

Satureja montana essential oil (SEO) presents a wide range of biological activities due to its high content of active phytochemicals. In order to improve the essential oil’s (EO) properties, oil in water nanoemulsions (NEs) composed of SEO and Tween-80 were prepared, characterized, and their antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties assayed against Escherichia coli strains isolated from healthy chicken. Since surfactant and oil composition can strongly influence NE features and their application field, a ternary phase diagram was constructed and evaluated to select a suitable surfactant/oil/water ratio. Minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration of NEs, evaluated by the microdilution method, showed that the SEO NE formulation exhibited higher inhibitory effects against planktonic E. coli than SEO alone. The quantification of biofilm production in the presence of NEs, assessed by crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy, evidenced that sub-MIC concentrations of SEO NEs enable an efficient reduction of biofilm production by the strong producer strains. The optimized nanoemulsion formulation could ensure food safety quality, and counteract the antibiotic resistance of poultry associated E. coli, if applied/aerosolized in poultry farms.

The Strategy of Boosting the Immune System Under the COVID-19 Pandemic

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection (COVID-19) has raised considerable concern on the entire planet. On March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic infection, and by March 18, 2020, it has spread to 146 countries. The first internal defense line against numerous diseases is personalized immunity. Although it cannot be claimed that personalized nutrition will have an immediate impact on a global pandemic, as the nutritional interventions required a long time to induce beneficial outcomes on immunity development, nutritional strategies are still able to clarify and have a beneficial influence on the interplay between physiology and diet, which could make a positive contribution to the condition in the next period. As such, a specific goal for every practitioner is to evaluate different tests to perceive the status of the patient, such as markers of inflammation, insulin regulation, and nutrient status, and to detect possible imbalances or deficiencies. During the process of disease development, the supplementation and addition of different nutrients and nutraceuticals can influence not only the viral replication but also the cellular mechanisms. It is essential to understand that every patient has its individual needs. Even though many nutrients, nutraceuticals, and drugs have beneficial effects on the immune response and can prevent or ameliorate viral infections, it is essential to detect at what stage in COVID-19 progression the patient is at the moment and decide what kind of nutrition intervention is necessary. Furthermore, understanding the pathogenesis of coronavirus infection is critical to make proper recommendations.

Probiotics in poultry feed: A comprehensive review

The use of antibiotics to maintain animal well-being, promote growth and improve efficiency has been practised for more than 50 years. However, as early as the 1950s, researchers identified concern on the development of resistant bacteria for the antibiotics streptomycin and tetracycline used in turkeys and broilers respectively. These findings laid the groundwork for agricultural officials to impose stricter regulatory parameters on the use of antibiotics in poultry feeds. Probiotics are live micro-organisms included in the diet of animals as feed additives or supplements. Commonly known as a direct-fed microbial, probiotics provide beneficial properties to the host, primarily through action in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the animal. Supplementation of probiotics in the diet can improve animal health and performance, through contributions to gut health and nutrient use. For instance, supplementation of probiotics has been demonstrated to benefit farm animals in immune modulation, structural modulation and increased cytokine production, which positively affect the intestinal mucosal lining against pathogens. Bacillus subtilis has been a popular bacterium used within the industry and was shown to improve intestinal villus height. Increasing the villus height and structure of the crypts in the GIT allows for the improvement of nutrient digestion and absorption. Tight junctions maintain important defences against pathogenic bacteria and cellular homeostasis. Heat stress can be a major environmental challenge in the poultry industry. Heat stress causes the bird to fluctuate its internal core temperature beyond their comfort zone. To overcome such challenges, poultry will attempt to balance its heat production and dissipation through behavioural and physiological adaptation mechanisms.

Consequences of various housing systems and dietary supplementation of thymol, carvacrol, and euganol on performance, egg quality, blood chemistry, and antioxidant parameters

The present work was carried out to investigate the influences of housing system and dietary essential oils (EOs) supplementation to laying hens on the productive performance, egg quality, immunity, antioxidant parameters, and hematology. A factorial arrangement (2 × 4) was performed, including 2 housing systems and 4 different types of EOs (without EOs, thymol, carvacrol, and euganol) during the production stages (from 28–78 wk of age). Birds were randomly divided into 2 groups with each of 2,000 birds. The first group was moved to laying cages while the second group was a floor reared. Each group was randomly divided into 4 groups (5 replicates of 100 birds each): The first were considered as a control group, and the second, third, and fourth groups were treated with thymol, carvacrol, and euganol EO, respectively. The results showed that hens reared in cage system had higher egg weight (P < 0.05), egg production, egg mass, and feed intake and better feed conversion ratio (P < 0.001) than those reared in the floor system. Blood picture values (except white blood cells), phagocytic index, phagocytic activity, and blood chemistry parameters (except calcium, phosphorus, and urea values) of laying hens were not affected (P > 0.05) by housing system. The groups fed EOs showed a rapid improvement (P < 0.001) in the egg production%, egg weight, egg mass, and egg quality. Thymol group had the highest egg production (P < 0.001). Thymol and eugenol groups had the highest egg weight, egg mass, and egg quality (P < 0.001). The groups fed diets containing thymol or eugenol consumed lower feed and had better feed conversion ratio (P < 0.001) than the control group. Immunity indices (phagocytic activity [P < 0.05], avian influenza [AIH5 and AIH9], P < 0.001) were improved with the presence of EOs in the laying hen diet. These results strongly suggest that dietary EO supplementation could be a successful attempt to improve the productive performance, egg quality, and immunity of laying hens.

The Applications of Origanum Vulgare and Its Derivatives in Human, Ruminant and Fish Nutrition – A Review

Origanum vulgare L. is an aromatic enduring herb that belongs to Lamiaceae family. The bioactive constituents of this herb, such as carvacrol and thymol possess several medicinal properties, such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-neoplastic, and immune modulatory. Moreover, it is considered a standard natural, less toxic, and residue free feed additive, that is successfully used in livestock and fish. Additionally, in human, Origanum vulgare is extensively used with promising health benefits against respiratory, digestive and urinary disorders. This review casts light on description, chemical composition and structure of Origanum vulgare, as well as its therapeutic applications in human and its biological activities in ruminants and fish, data that will be possibly useful for physiologists, nutritionists and veterinarians.

Health benefits of carotenoids and potential application in poultry industry: A review

Carotenoids are one of the widespread and ubiquitous lipid-soluble pigments that produce a wide range of colours which are universally found in various plants, microalgae, bacteria and fungi. Recently, interest in using carotenoids as feed ingredients has increased markedly owing to their bioactive and health-promoting properties. In terms of applications, carotenoid-rich products are widely available in the form of food and feed additive, supplements and natural colourants. Carotenoids play a versatile biological role that contributes to therapeutic effects, including anticancer, immunomodulators, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic and neuroprotective. Dietary supplementation of carotenoids not only improves the production performance and health of poultry birds, but also enhances the quality of egg and meat. Several studies have suggested that the supplementation of plant derived carotenoids revealed numerous health-promoting activities in poultry birds. Carotenoids reduce the oxidative stress in pre-hatched and post-hatched birds through different mechanisms, including quench free radicals, activating antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting the signalling pathways. Use of carotenoids in poultry feed as a part of nutrient that confers bird health and improve product quality. Carotenoids play a critical role for the pigmentation of egg yolk, skin, legs, beak, comb, feather and fat. Birds consumed carotenoid deficient diet resulting hues of their egg yolk or pale coloured skin. Therefore, uniform pigmentation generally indicates the health status and quality of the poultry products. This review aims to gather recent information regarding bioactive properties of carotenoids and highlight pharmaceutical and health beneficial effects of carotenoids for the poultry industry. Additionally, it explores the importance of carotenoids as alternative feed ingredients for poultry to boost the production performance and replace synthetic medicine and nutrients.

Does the use of different oil sources in quail diets impact their productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, and blood constituents?

The present study investigated the impact of dietary oil sources (soybean, corn, peanut, flaxseed, olive, and sunflower oils as sources of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids) on productive and reproductive traits, egg quality, hematological and biochemical blood parameters of laying Japanese quail. A total of 360 eight-week mature Japanese quail were randomly divided into 6 groups fed for 8 wk on a basal diet included with 1.5% of different oil sources. Results showed that the highest egg weights and the best feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01) were recorded for quail fed diets supplemented with 1.5% soybean and peanut oil. The highest hatchability percentages (P < 0.05) were recorded for quail fed diets supplemented with corn oil as compared to the other oils. Furthermore, diets enriched with corn, olive, or sunflower oils had higher values of blood lymphocytes (%) compared to the other treated groups. Blood total cholesterol significantly decreased in quail fed on corn, peanut, flaxseed, or olive oil sources as compared to soybean or sunflower oil groups. Immunologically, the highest levels (P < 0.001) of immunoglobulins (G and M) were recorded for quail fed on corn or olive oil sources compared to other oil sources. Quail consuming olive oil–included diets showed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase activities and a significant decrease on malondialdehyde level compared with those consumed the other oil sources. It could be concluded that varying the oil source can affect productive, reproductive, and health aspects of Japanese quail. Soybean oil showed good results regarding production aspects; however, olive oil was the best regarding health aspects.

Ginger and Its Derivatives as Promising Alternatives to Antibiotics in Poultry Feed

Poultry enterprises have sustained rapid development through the last three decennaries. For which reason, higher utilization of antibacterial, either as therapeutic or growth promoting agents, has been accepted. Owing to the concern of developing bacterial resistance among populations towards antibiotic generations, accumulation of antibacterial remaining's in chicken products and elevating shopper request for outcomes without antibacterial remaining's, looking for unconventional solutions that could exchange antibacterial without influencing productiveness or product characters. Using natural alternatives including ginger, garlic prebiotics, organic acids, plant extracts, etheric oils and immune stimulants have been applied to advance the performance, hold poultry productiveness, prevent and control the enteric pathogens and minimize the antibacterial utilization in the poultry production in recent years. The use of a single replacement or ideal assemblage of different choices besides good supervision and livestock welfare may play a basic role in maximizing benefits and preserving poultry productiveness. The object of this review was to support an outline of the recent knowledge on the use of the natural replacements (ginger and its derivatives) in poultry feed as feed additives and their effects on poultry performance, egg and meat quality, health as well as the economic efficiency.

The Strategy of Boosting the Immune System Under the COVID-19 Pandemic

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection (COVID-19) has raised considerable concern on the entire planet. On March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic infection, and by March 18, 2020, it has spread to 146 countries. The first internal defense line against numerous diseases is personalized immunity. Although it cannot be claimed that personalized nutrition will have an immediate impact on a global pandemic, as the nutritional interventions required a long time to induce beneficial outcomes on immunity development, nutritional strategies are still able to clarify and have a beneficial influence on the interplay between physiology and diet, which could make a positive contribution to the condition in the next period. As such, a specific goal for every practitioner is to evaluate different tests to perceive the status of the patient, such as markers of inflammation, insulin regulation, and nutrient status, and to detect possible imbalances or deficiencies. During the process of disease development, the supplementation and addition of different nutrients and nutraceuticals can influence not only the viral replication but also the cellular mechanisms. It is essential to understand that every patient has its individual needs. Even though many nutrients, nutraceuticals, and drugs have beneficial effects on the immune response and can prevent or ameliorate viral infections, it is essential to detect at what stage in COVID-19 progression the patient is at the moment and decide what kind of nutrition intervention is necessary. Furthermore, understanding the pathogenesis of coronavirus infection is critical to make proper recommendations.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids in Poultry Nutrition: Effect on Production Performance and Health

Omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) fatty acids are important components of cell membranes. They are essential for health and normal physiological functioning of humans. Not all fatty acids can be produced endogenously owing to the absence of certain desaturases; however, they are required in a ratio that is not naturally achieved by the standard diet of industrialized nations. Poultry products have become the primary source of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), with one of the most effective solutions being to increase the accretion of PUFAs in chicken products via the adjustment of fatty acids in poultry diets. Several studies have reported the favorable effects of ω-3 PUFA on bone strength, bone mineral content and density, and semen quality. However, other studies concluded negative effects of LC-PUFA on meat quality and palatability, and acceptability by consumers. The present review discussed the practical application of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids in poultry diets, and studied the critical effects of these fatty acids on productive performance, blood biochemistry, immunity, carcass traits, bone traits, egg and meat quality, and semen quality in poultry. Future studies are required to determine how poultry products can be produced with higher contents of PUFAs and favorable fatty acid composition, at low cost and without negative effects on palatability and quality.