Effects of chlorogenic acid-enriched extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaf on growth performance and quality and oxidative status of meat in finishing pigs fed diets containing fresh or oxidized corn oil

Dietary supplementation of Eucommia leaf extract to growing-finishing pigs alters muscle metabolism and improves meat quality

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of dietary supplementation of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on muscle metabolism and meat quality of pigs with and without pre-slaughter transportation.

METHODS

In a 43-day feeding experiment, a total of 160 pigs with an initial body weight 60.00±2.00 kg were randomly assigned into four groups in a completely randomized design with 10 replicates. Pigs in groups A and C were fed a basal diet and pigs in groups B and D were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5% ELE. Pigs were slaughtered with (group B and D) or without (group A and C) pre-slaughter transport. Muscle chemical composition, postmortem glycolysis, meat quality and muscle metabolome were analyzed.

RESULTS

Dietary ELE supplementation had no effect on the proximate composition of porcine muscle, but increased free phenylalanine, proline, citruline, norvaline, and the total free amino acids in muscle. In addition, dietary ELE increased decanoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, but decreased heptadecanoic acid, oleic acid, trans-oleic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids in muscle. Meat quality measurement demonstrated that ELE improved meat water holding capacity and eliminated the negative effects of pre-slaughter transport on meat cooking yield and tenderness. Dietary ELE reduced muscle glycolytic potential, inhibited glycolysis and muscle pH decline in the postmortem conversion of muscle to meat and increased the activity of citrate synthase in muscle. Metabolomics analysis by liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometric showed that ELE enhanced muscle energy level, regulated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, modulated glycogenolysis/glycolysis, and altered the metabolism of carbohydrate, fatty acids, ketone bodies, amino acids, purine, and pyrimidine.

CONCLUSION

Dietary ELE improved meat quality and alleviated the negative effect of preslaughter transport on meat quality by enhancing muscle oxidative metabolism capacity and inhibiting glycolysis in postmortem muscle, which is probably involved its regulation of AMPK.

Quantitative Phosphoproteomics Analysis Reveals the Protective Mechanism of Chlorogenic Acid on Immunologically Stressed Broiler Meat Quality

Modern poultry production is stressful for the birds, and this stress is recognized as a major cause of inferior meat quality. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a plant phenolic acid, has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant capacity and phosphoproteomics of immunologically stressed broiler breast muscle were assessed to elucidate the mechanism of the beneficial effects of CGA on meat quality. Dietary CGA decreased drip and cooking loss, postmortem pH and antioxidant capacity of breast muscle from stressed broilers, and increased MyHC-I mRNA levels. Quantitative phosphoproteomics revealed that CGA supplementation downregulated the phosphorylation of myofibrillar proteins, glycolytic enzymes, and endoplasmic reticulum proteins involved in homeostasis, which contributed to improving the meat quality of broilers. Moreover, 14 phosphorylation sites (e.g., P13538-Ser1236 and F1NN63-Ser117) in 13 phosphoproteins were identified as key regulators of processes related to broiler meat quality. Together, these findings provide novel regulatory targets and nutritional strategies for improving the stressed broiler meat quality.

Bioactive functions of chlorogenic acid and its research progress in pig industry

Chlorogenic acid (CGA), also known as 3-caffeioylquinic acid or coffee tannin, is a water-soluble polyphenol phenylacrylate compound produced through the shikimate pathway by plants during aerobic respiration. CGA widely exists in higher dicotyledons, ferns and many Chinese medicinal materials, and enjoys the reputation of 'plant gold'. Here, we summarized the source, chemical structure, biological activity functions of CGA and its research progress in pigs, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding and theoretical basis for the prospect of CGA replacing antibiotics as a pig feed additive.

Effects of Dietary Chlorogenic Acid Supplementation on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, and Muscle Flavor Substances in Finishing Pigs

With the prohibition of antibiotics in feed, certain phytocompounds have been widely studied as feed additives. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a natural polyphenol found in plants, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory features. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary chlorogenic acid supplementation on growth performance and carcass traits, as well as meat quality, nutrient value and flavor substances of Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) pigs. Forty healthy DLY pigs (initial body weight (BW): 26.69 ± 0.37) were allotted to four treatment groups and were fed with the control diet, which was supplemented with 25 mg kg-1, 50 mg kg-1, and 100 mg kg-1 CGA, respectively. The trial lasted 100 days. The results suggested that dietary CGA supplementation had no effect (p < 0.05) on the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FC). Herein, it was found that 50 mg kg-1 CGA-containing diet not only increased the dressing percentage and perirenal fat, but also reduced the rate of muscular pH decline (p < 0.05). In the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle, the myofiber-type-related genes such as the MyHC IIa and MyHC IIX mRNA levels were increased by 100 mg kg-1 CGA. The results also indicated that the 100 mg kg-1 CGA-containing diet increased the content of crude fat, glycogen, total amino acids, and flavor amino acids, but decreased the inosine and hypoxanthine concentration in LT (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the lipogenic gene ACC1 mRNA level was elevated by 50 mg kg-1 CGA. Instead, 100 mg kg-1 CGA downregulated the expression level of NT5C2, an enzyme responsible for inosine-5'-monophosphate (IMP) degradation. Additionally, 100 mg kg-1 CGA decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, but increased the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) content as well as antioxidant gene (HO-1, NQO-1, NRF2) mRNA levels in LT muscle. These findings showed that dietary CGA could partly improve carcass traits and muscle flavor without negatively affecting growth performance, and the underlying mechanism may be due to the antioxidant properties induced by CGA.

Effect of 3-caffeoylquinic acid on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal functions in weaned pigs

Phenolic acid like with the 3-caffeoylquini acid (3-CQA) is formed by caffeic acid and qunic acid. This study was conducted to explore the effect of 3-CQA on growth performance and intestinal functions in weaned pigs. A total of 180 weaned pigs were randomly allocated into five treatments with 6 replicate pens per treatment (6 pigs per pen). Pigs in the control group (CON) were fed with basal diet (BD), and the others in the experimental groups were fed with BD and supplemented with 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg 3-CQA. On day 43, the blood sample-collected pigs in the CON and optimal-dose group (only based on growth performance) were picked, and housed in metabolism cages (a total of 12 pigs, N = 6). 3-CQA increased the feed efficiency from days 21 to 42 of the trial and throughout the trial (P < 0.05). 3-CQA increased the serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, and total cholesterol (P < 0.05). Moreover, 3-CQA supplementation at 25 mg/kg increased the apparent digestibility of DM, energy, and ash (P < 0.05). Interestingly, 3-CQA decreased the crypt depth but increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). Moreover, 3-CQA also increased the activities of sucrase, lactase, and catalase in the jejunal mucosa, and increased the activities of alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). 3-CQA also increased the abundance of secretory immunoglobulin A in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). Importantly, 3-CQA not only elevated the expression levels of critical functional genes such as the zonula occludens-1 , occludin, solute carrier family 7 , and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the duodenum but also elevated the expression levels of divalent metal transporter-1 and Nrf2 in the jejunum (P < 0.05). These results suggested a positive effect of 3-CQA supplementation on the growth and intestinal functions of weaned pigs. The mechanisms of action may be associated with elevated anti-oxidant capacity and improved intestinal barrier functions.

Effect of Different Levels of Chlorogenic Acid on Growth Performance, Immunological Responses, Antioxidant Defense, and Disease Resistance of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Juveniles

The current study is designed to assay the efficacy of chlorogenic acid (ChA) in the diet on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, serum immunological, biochemical, and antioxidant variables, and mucosal immune response as well as disease resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles. Rainbow trout juveniles received diets supplemented with different inclusion levels of ChA (0 (ctrl), 200 (CA1), 400 (CA2), 600 (CA3), and 800 (CA4) mg kg^-1 diet) for 60 days. According to the findings, fish from CA3 and CA4 groups demonstrated the best results considering the final weight (FW) and weight gain (WG) (P < 0.05). Also, the group that received 600 mg kg^-1 ChA-supplemented diet showed the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the highest specific growth rate (SGR) compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the minimum survival rate (SR) was only detected in the CA4 treatment (P < 0.05). Regression analysis exhibited that rainbow trout growth indices were polynomially linked to dietary chlorogenic acid concentrations. In this regard, the optimal levels of chlorogenic acid according to growth parameters (FCR and SGR) were 0.71 and 0.62 gr kg^-1 diet, respectively. The results exhibited superior performance of protease and amylase activities in CA2, CA3, and CA4 groups with the maximum amount in the group receiving 600 mg kg^-1 ChA-enriched diet (P < 0.05). Serum lysozyme (LYZ), immunoglobulin (Ig), and components 3 and 4 (C3 and C4) values of CA2, CA3, and CA4 groups were significantly higher than others with the highest amount in the CA3 group (P <0.05). Additionally, serum nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) value in the CA3 and CA4 groups and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the CA3 group were notably more than others (P < 0.05). Moreover, the lowest aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the highest total protein (TP) and globulin (GLO) values were observed in CA3 treatment (P < 0.05). CA2 and CA3 groups demonstrated increased serum catalase (CAT) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) values compared to the control while the highest CAT and lowest MDA values were observed in CA3 treatment (P < 0.05). Considering mucus immunity, the significantly maximum LYZ and protease values were demonstrated in CA2 and CA3 groups, and the highest ALP, Ig, and esterase values were demonstrated in the CA3 group. In comparison with the control, the mortality rates of the groups that received the ChA diets were remarkably (P < 0.05) lower postchallenge with Y. ruckeri, and the highest survival and relative percentage of survival (RPS) (P < 0.05) belonged to the CA3 group. Results obtained from the current study suggested ChA as a functional dietary additive to raise growth parameters, immune indices, antioxidant capacity, and resistance to disease in rainbow trout.

Plant-Derived Polyphenols as Nrf2 Activators to Counteract Oxidative Stress and Intestinal Toxicity Induced by Deoxynivalenol in Swine: An Emerging Research Direction

The contamination of deoxynivalenol (DON) in feed is a global problem, which seriously threatens the productivity efficiency and welfare of farm animals and the food security of humans. Pig is the most sensitive species to DON, and is readily exposed to DON through its grain-enriched diet. The intestine serves as the first biological barrier to ingested mycotoxin, and is, therefore, the first target of DON. In the past decade, a growing amount of attention has been paid to plant-derived polyphenols as functional compounds against DON-induced oxidative stress and intestinal toxicity in pigs. In this review, we systematically updated the latest research progress in plant polyphenols detoxifying DON-induced intestinal toxicity in swine. We also discussed the potential underlying mechanism of action of polyphenols as Nrf2 activators in protecting against DON-induced enterotoxicity of swine. The output of this update points out an emerging research direction, as polyphenols have great potential to be developed as feed additives for swine to counteract DON-induced oxidative stress and intestinal toxicity.

Effects of dietary eucommia ulmoides leaf extract on growth performance, expression of feeding-related genes, activities of digestive enzymes, antioxidant capacity, immunity and cytokines expression of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) larvae

A 30-d feeding trial was conducted to investigate effects of dietary eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on growth performance, activities of digestive enzymes, antioxidant capacity, immunity, expression of inflammatory factors and feeding-related genes of large yellow croaker larvae. Five micro-diets were formulated with supplementation of 0 g kg^-1 (the control), 5 g kg^-1 (0·5 %), 10 g kg^-1 (1·0 %) and 20 g kg^-1 (2·0 %) of ELE, respectively. Results showed that the best growth performance was found in larvae fed the diet with 1·0 % ELE. Furthermore, ELE supplementation significantly increased the npy expression at 1·0 % dosage, while increased ghrelin in larvae at 0·5 % dosages. The activity of leucine aminopeptidase in larvae fed the diet with 1·0 % ELE was significantly higher than the control, while alkaline phosphatase was significantly upregulated in larvae fed the diet with 2·0 % ELE. A clear increase in total antioxidant capacity in larvae fed the diet with 1·0 % ELE was observed, whereas catalase activity was significantly higher in 1·0 % and 2·0 % ELE supplementation compared with the control. Larvae fed the diet with 1·0 % ELE had a significantly higher activities of lysozyme, total nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide content than the control. Moreover, transcriptional levels of cox-2, il-1β and il-6 were remarkably downregulated by the supplementation of 0·5-1·0 % ELE. This study demonstrated that the supplementation of 1·0 % ELE in diet could increase the growth performance of large yellow croaker larvae probably by promoting expression of feeding-related genes, enhancing antioxidant capacity and immunity and inhibiting expression of inflammatory factors.

Supplementation with honeysuckle extract improves growth performance, immune performance, gut morphology, and cecal microbes in geese

The study aimed to investigate the effects of honeysuckle extract (HE) on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, immune organ indexes, gut morphology, and gut microbes in geese. A total of 180 28-day-old Holdobaki geese were randomly divided into three groups. Each group contained 6 replicates (10 geese, with 5 males and 5 females). The BD group was fed the basal diet, the HE1 group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 1 g/kg of HE, and the HE2 group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 2 g/kg of HE. The experiment lasted for 42 days. The results showed that, compared with the BD group, the average daily gain (ADG) of the HE1 and HE2 groups tended to increase (0.05 < P < 0.10), but the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and final body weight (BW) did not differ significantly, and the feed/gain ratio (F/G) was significantly lower (P < 0.01). The bursa index and the thymus index tended to increase (0.05 < P < 0.10), and serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels increased significantly (P < 0.05). In the HE1 and HE2 groups, the crypt depth (CD) in the jejunum tended to decrease (0.05 < P < 0.10), and the villus height/crypt depth ratio (V/C) increased significantly in the jejunum and the ileum (P < 0.05). According to 16sRNA microbial community diversity analysis, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla. The abundance of Firmicutes was significantly decreased (P < 0.01), while that of Bacteroidetes was significantly increased (P < 0.01), in the HE1 and HE2 groups compared with the BD group. Bacteroides barnesiae, Subdoligranulum variabile, Bacteroides plebeius, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were the dominant species, and the abundance of B. plebeius and F. prausnitzii was significantly increased (P < 0.05). According to the LEfSe analysis, BD enriched g_Dorea and g_Dehalobacterium; HE1 enriched g_Faecalibacterium, g_Dialister, g_Prevotella, g_Megamonas, g_Phascolarctobacterium, g_Paraprevotella, g_Anaerostipes, g_Staphylococcus, g_Odoribacter, g_Succinivibrio, and g_Sutterella; and HE2 enriched g_Parabacteroides, g_Olsenella, g_human, and g_Rikenella. According to the Spearman correlation analysis, Bacteroides plebeius was positively correlated with final BW, ADG, IgA, IgG, VH (ileum), and V/C (ileum) and was negatively correlated with F/G and CD (ileum); Ruminococcus gnavus was negatively correlated with final BW, ADG, IgA, and IgG. HE supplementation at 1 g/kg improved growth performance, immune performance, gut morphology, and cecal microbes.

Dietary stevia residue extract supplementation improves the performance and antioxidative capacity of growing-finishing pigs

BACKGROUND

Improper disposal of stevia residue causes environmental pollution and waste of resources. The extract of stevia residue is rich in chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acids, and has a great potential in livestock and poultry breeding. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary stevia residue extract (SRE) supplementation on the performance, meat quality, antioxidative capacity and gut microbiota in growing-finishing pigs.

RESULTS

The results showed that increasing the concentration of SRE supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.05) body weight from day 1 to 35. Supplementation with SRE significantly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) from day 1 to 75. 100 mg kg-1 SRE supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) hot carcass weight and gastric index. Moreover, increasing the concentration of SRE linearly increased (P < 0.05) the score of appearance of longissimus thoracis, as well as serum albumin, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol content. Further study found that increasing the concentration of SRE linearly increased (P < 0.05) serum total superoxide dismutase activity, and showed a significant quadratic relationship (P < 0.05) with activity of serum catalase, while linearly decreasing (P < 0.05) muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Furthermore, supplementation with 100 mg kg-1 SRE significantly decreased (P < 0.05) serum MDA content, while 600 and 800 mg kg-1 SRE supplementation significantly decreased (P < 0.05) muscle MDA content. However, SRE supplementation had no significant effect on gut microbiota (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These data indicated that dietary SRE supplementation improves the performance and antioxidative capacity of growing-finishing pigs. We recommend that the optimal supplemental level of SRE in the diet of growing-finishing pigs is 100 mg kg-1 . © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of Lonicera japonica and Radix Puerariae Crude Extracts on the Fecal Microbiome and Nutrient Apparent Digestibility of Finishing Pigs

This study aims to investigate the influence of adding Lonicera japonica (L. japonica) and Radix Puerariae crude extracts and their mixture to the diet of finishing pigs on their fecal microbes and nutrient apparent digestibility. A total of 72 healthy Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred barrows without significant differences in body weight (93 ± 2 kg) were selected and randomly divided into four groups (18 in each group). Three replicate pens per group (six pigs per pen) were used, and two pigs were evaluated for each pen. The groups were fed the following diets: control group (CON), basic diet; chlorogenic acid group (CGA group), basic diet + 1 kg/ton L. japonica crude extract; Pueraria flavonoid group (PF group), basic diet + 1 kg/ton Radix Puerariae crude extract; and mix group (Mix group), basic diet + 0.5 kg/ton L. japonica crude extract + 0.5 kg/ton Radix Puerariae crude extract. The following results were obtained: (1) At the phylum level, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Spirochaetes, Proteobacteria, Fibrobaeteres, and Kiritimatiellaeota were the main components of the fecal microbiota (top 5); the relative abundance of bacteria from phyla Firmicutes significantly increased in the Mix group than in the CON group (p < 0.05). At the genus level, Treponema_2, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, uncultured_bacterium_f_Lachnospiraceae, uncultured_bacterium_f_Prevotellaceae, and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group were the main components of the fecal microbiota (top 5); the relative abundance of bacteria from genus Lactobacillus significantly increased in the Mix group than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Chao1 and Ace counts were significantly higher in group CGA than in the CON group and group Mix (p < 0.05). The alpha and beta diversities and the relative abundance of fecal microbes were higher in all test groups than in the CON group. (2) The protein digestibility was significantly higher in the CGA and PF groups than in the CON group, and the TP digestibility was significantly higher in the CGA than in the CON and Mix groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Lonicera japonica and Radix Puerariae crude extract supplementation in the diet significantly changed fecal microbiota and improved the protein and TP digestibility of finishing pigs.

Chlorogenic acid improves growth performance and intestinal health through autophagy-mediated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway in oxidatively stressed broilers induced by dexamethasone

The effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and the autophagy-mediated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in oxidatively stressed broilers were investigated. A total of 400 one-day-old male Cobb broilers were divided randomly into 4 groups using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 CGA supplemental levels (0 and 500 mg/kg) and 2 dexamethasone (DEX) challenge levels (0 and 3 mg/kg body weight). All the broilers were injected intraperitoneally with DEX or sterile saline beginning at the age of 15 d for 6 consecutive days. The experiment lasted for 21 d. The CGA increased average daily gain (ADG), villus height, villus height/crypt depth (V/C) value, and the protein expressions of Occludin and ZO-1 in the ileum and decreased the feed:gain (F:G) ratio, which were impaired by the DEX challenge. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), gutathione S-transferase (GST), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) activities in the serum and ileum were increased by CGA, whereas protein carboxyl (PCO) level in the serum and ileum, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the ileum were decreased of the DEX challenged broilers. The DEX challenge decreased microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-II, Beclin1, and autophagy-related gene (ATG) 7 mRNA expressions, and the LC3-II/LC3-I value and increased LC3-I, cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase)-3 and Caspase-9 mRNA expressions in the ileum, which were improved by CGA. DEX also decreased the protein expressions of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1), Nrf2, HO-1, NADPH quinone oxidoreductase-1(NQO-1) and increased sequestosome 1 (p62) in the ileum, which were improved by CGA. Interactions occurred between DEX and CGA for the ADG, F:G ratio, villus height, crypt depth, V/C value, and SOD, CAT, GST, and HO-1 activities, MDA and PCO levels, LC3-II/LC3-I value, and expressions of LC3-I, LC3-II, Beclin1, ATG7, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Occludin, ZO-1, Keap1, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1, and p62. In conclusion, CGA improved the growth performance and intestinal health of oxidatively stressed broilers by activating the autophagy-mediated Nrf2 pathway.

The Biological Activity Mechanism of Chlorogenic Acid and Its Applications in Food Industry: A Review

Chlorogenic acid (CGA), also known as coffee tannic acid and 3-caffeoylquinic acid, is a water-soluble polyphenolic phenylacrylate compound produced by plants through the shikimic acid pathway during aerobic respiration. CGA is widely found in higher dicotyledonous plants, ferns, and many Chinese medicine plants, which enjoy the reputation of “plant gold.” We have summarized the biological activities of CGA, which are mainly shown as anti-oxidant, liver and kidney protection, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, regulation of glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory, protection of the nervous system, and action on blood vessels. We further determined the main applications of CGA in the food industry, including food additives, food storage, food composition modification, food packaging materials, functional food materials, and prebiotics. With a view to the theoretical improvement of CGA, biological activity mechanism, and subsequent development and utilization provide reference and scientific basis.

Effect of the Tea Tree Oil on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Serum Biochemical Indices, and Antioxidant Capacity in Finishing Pigs

The increased use of antibiotics continues to pose a threat to public health because of the increasing concern of antibiotic residue. Tea tree oil (TTO) is an extract of the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, there is little information on TTO supplementation in the diet of finishing pigs. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of TTO supplemented diets on the growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical indices, and antioxidant capacity of the finishing pigs. Our results showed that TTO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factors -I (IGFs-I), growth acceleration hormone (GH), and heart fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP), while the mRNA expression of myostatin gene (MSTN), and calpain-1 (CAST) decreased by the TTO supplementation, compared with the control group. In addition, TTO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and IgM levels but decreased (P < 0.05) serum aspartate transaminase (AST) concentration, relative to the control group. In addition, we found that the live weight and intramuscular fat enhanced (P < 0.05) significantly, and muscle pH 24 min value, cooking loss, and shear force decreased (P < 0.05) dramatically in the TTO group. The TTO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) C18:2n6t concentration and decreased (P < 0.05) C12:0 and C16:0 concentration, relative to the control group. Dietary supplementation with TTO decreased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased (P < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in serum. These results indicated that TTO supplementation could improve immunity and antioxidant, carcass traits, the nutritional value of pork, and the antioxidant capacity of finishing pigs. Therefore, TTO has potential positive effects as a feed additive in the pig industry.

Protective effects of chlorogenic acid on the meat quality of oxidatively stressed broilers revealed by integrated metabolomics and antioxidant analysis

Oxidation is a major cause of meat quality deterioration during broiler production, which leads to undesirable meat color and impaired water holding capacity (WHC), thereby impacting consumer appeal and satisfaction. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a natural phenolic acid, is regarded as a potential, safer and healthier antioxidant to improve meat quality. To investigate the protective effects of CGA on the meat quality of oxidatively stressed broilers, 240 one-day-old male Cobb broiler chickens were allocated to four treatments: basal diet (control group), basal diet + dexamethasone (DEX) injection (DEX group), basal diet containing 500 mg kg^-1 CGA (CGA group), and basal diet containing 500 mg kg^-1 CGA + DEX injection (DEX_CGA group). Meat quality, antioxidant capacity, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, and metabolomic profile were detected in the breast muscle of broilers. Then, correlation analysis between meat quality and antioxidant capacity, antioxidant-related genes, and metabolites was performed. The results indicated that CGA supplementation improved the growth performance and meat quality traits (pH, WHC, and meat color) and enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activity by activating the Nrf2 pathway in the breast muscle of oxidatively stressed broilers. A total of 619 metabolites were identified, among which 93 differential metabolites were found between control and DEX groups, and 65 differential metabolites were observed between DEX and DEX_CGA groups. Breast metabolic profiles were changed by DEX treatment, while CGA supplementation could normalize the metabolic changes in DEX-challenged broilers. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed that most of the differential metabolites between DEX and DEX_CGA groups were involved in pyrimidine/purine, propanoate and phenylalanine metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and lysine metabolism, which may contribute to explain the protective effects of CGA on meat quality. Moreover, according to the correlation analysis, four metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers to predict the meat quality. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that CGA is an effective, natural and safe antioxidant to enhance the quality of meat from intensive industrial poultry production.

Dietary Eucommia ulmoides Extract Alleviates the Effect of Cold Stress on Chick Growth Performance, Antioxidant and Immune Ability

Simple Summary

The cold stress that chicks suffer from has caused huge losses to the chicken industry. It is very important to find an effective way to alleviate cold stress in chicks. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that dietary Eucommia ulmoides extract alleviates the effect of cold stress on chick growth performance, antioxidants, and immune ability. Interestingly, Eucommia ulmoides extract supplementation improved the growth performance, antioxidant status, and immune response and reduced the organ damage of chicks caused by cold stress, which shows that Eucommia ulmoides extract has potent protective effects against cold stress. These findings will be very beneficial to break down the bottleneck issue of chick production caused by cold stress.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the protective value of Eucommia ulmoides extract (EUE) on chicks under cold stress. A total of 21 compounds were identified in EUE using mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Ninety chicks were divided into a control group (CS) fed a basal diet and an experimental group supplemented with EUE, exposed to 10 ± 1 °C for 8 h per day. Results showed, compared with the CS group, the body weights (BW) (p < 0.01) and average daily gains ADG (p < 0.05) of the EUE group were increased throughout the study period. Chicks fed EUE had higher AFI (0–7 d, p < 0.001) and lower feed-to-gain ratios (F/G) (0–15 d, p < 0.001). EUE increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (15 d, p < 0.05) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (7 d, p < 0.05), whereas it decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) (15 d, p < 0.01). The contents of IgA (7 d, p < 0.05), IgG (7 d; 15 d, p < 0.01), and IgM (15 d, p < 0. 001) were higher in the EUE group. Dietary EUE could also reduce chick organ damage. Overall, EUE as a natural feed additive can improve the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune level, and reduce the organ damage of cold-stressed chicks.

Effect of chlorogenic acid on alleviating inflammation and apoptosis of IPEC-J2 cells induced by deoxyniyalenol

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is extensively detected in many kinds of foods and feeds to harm human and animal health. This research aims to investigate the effect of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on alleviating inflammation and apoptosis of swine jejunal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) triggered by DON. The results demonstrated that cell viability was decreased when DON concentrations increased or incubation time expanded. The pretreatment with CGA (40 μg/mL) for 1 h increased cell viability, decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and apoptosis in cells triggered by DON at 0.5 μg/mL for 6 h, compared with the DON alone-treated cells. Moreover, the mRNA abundances of IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2, caspase-3, Bax and ASCT2 genes, and protein expressions of COX-2, Bax and ASCT2 were significantly down-regulated; while the mRNA abundances of ZO-1, claudin-1, occludin, PePT1 and GLUT2 genes, and protein expressions of ZO-1, claudin-1 and PePT1 were significantly up-regulated in the CGA + DON group, compared with the DON alone group. This study indicated that CGA pretreatment alleviated cytotoxicity, inflammation and apoptosis in DON-triggered IPEC-J2 cells, and protected intestinal cell integrity from DON damages.