In ovo injection of nano-selenium spheres mitigates the hatchability, histopathology image and immune response of hatched chicks

Contribution of nanotechnology to greater efficiency in animal nutrition and production

Feed costs present a major burden in animal production for human consumption, representing a key opportunity for cost reduction and profit improvement. Nanotechnology offers potential to increase productivity by creating higher-quality and safer products. The feed sector has benefited from the use of nanosystems to improve the stability and bioavailability of feed ingredients. The development of nanotechnology products for feed must consider the challenges raised by biological barriers as well as regulatory requirements. While some nanotechnology-based products are already commercially available for animal production, the exponential growth and application of these products requires further research ensuring their safety and the establishment of comprehensive legislative frameworks and regulatory guidelines. Thus, this article provides an overview of the current state of the art regarding nanotechnology solutions applied in feed, as well as the risks and opportunities aimed to help researchers and livestock producers.

The Effects of In Ovo Feeding of Selenized Glucose on Selenium Concentration and Antioxidant Capacity of Breast Muscle in Neonatal Broilers

This study aims to investigate the impacts of in ovo feeding (IOF) of selenized glucose (SeGlu) on selenium (Se) level and antioxidant capacity of breast muscle in newborn broilers. After candling on 16 day of incubation, a total of 450 eggs were randomly divided into three treatments. On the 17.5th day of incubation, eggs in a control treatment were injected with 0.1 mL of physiological saline (0.75%), while the 2nd group and 3rd group were supplied with 0.1 mL of physiological saline containing 10 μg Se from SeGlu (SeGlu10 group) and 20 μg Se from SeGlu (SeGlu20 group). The results showed that in ovo injection in both SeGlu10 and SeGlu20 increased the Se level and reduced glutathione concentration (GSH) in pectoral muscle of hatchlings (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the SeGlu20-treated chicks significantly enhanced the activity of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and mRNA expression of NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) in breast muscle, while there was upregulation in mRNA expressions of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX-1) and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) and higher total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in SeGlu10 treatment (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference on enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase (GR), glutathione reductase, thioredoxin reductase, concentration of malondialdehyde, and free radical scavenging ability (FRSA) of superoxide radical (O2-•) and hydroxyl radical (OH•) was observed among the three treatments (P > 0.05). Therefore, IOF of SeGlu enhanced Se deposition in breast muscle of neonatal broilers. In addition, in ovo injection of SeGlu could increase the antioxidant capacity of newborn chicks possibly through upregulating the mRNA expression of GPX1, TrxR1, and NQO1, as well as the SOD activity.

Effects of dietary nano-selenium supplementation on Riemerella anatipestifer vaccinated and challenged Pekin ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos)

Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) is a common disease causing economic losses to duck farms worldwide. Novel supplements are crucially needed to control this bacterium, enhance poultry performance, and produce synergistic effects with vaccines in stimulating the immune system. This study investigated the effect of nano-selenium (Nano-Se) on the vaccinated (VAC) and challenged (Ch) Pekin ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos) with RA. Five experimental groups (G1-G5) were included in this study: G1 was the control group, G2 was the RA-challenged group, G3 was the Nano-Se+Ch group, G4 was the VAC+Ch group, and G5 was the Nano-Se+VAC+Ch group. The Nano-Se (0.3 mg/kg diet) was supplemented for 5 weeks post-vaccination (PV). The ducklings were vaccinated subcutaneously with the RA vaccine at 7 days of age and challenged with RA at the 3rd week PV. Blood, pharyngeal swabs and tissue samples were collected at the 3rd week PV and at different times post-challenge (PC). The growth performance (weight gain and feed conversion ratio), clinical signs, gross lesions, mortality, bacterial shedding, haematological, immunological, and biochemical parameters, cytokines production, and histopathological lesion scores showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between the challenged (G2) group and the supplemented (G3 & G5) groups. G5 showed the highest (P < 0.05) growth performance, phagocytic activity, IgM and IgG, splenic interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-10, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) gene expressions, and the lowest mortality, bacterial shedding, hepatic and renal damage, heterophil/lymphocyte ratio and lesion scores compared to the other groups. In conclusion, the supplementation of nano-selenium for five weeks in the diet can improve the growth performance, immune status, and cytokines production in ducklings vaccinated and challenged with RA.

Bibliographical Mapping of Research into the Relationship between In Ovo Injection Practice and Hatchability in Poultry

Recent advances in poultry practice have produced new tools enabling the poultry industry to increase productivity. Aiming at increasing production quality, varying protocols of in ovo injection facilitate the introduction of exogenous substances into the egg to complement the nutrients that support embryonic development up to hatching, which are already available in the internal and external compartments. Due to embryonic sensitivity, adding any substance into the egg can be either advantageous or disadvantageous for embryonic survival and can influence hatch rates. Thus, understanding the relationship between poultry practices and production rates is the first step towards successful commercial application. This review aims to assess the influence on hatch rates of injecting different substances in ovo, including effects on embryo and chick health parameters where these are reported. Bibliographic mappings of co-authorship of citations, co-occurrence of keywords, and bibliographic coupling based on the in ovo injection technique and hatchability parameters were also performed. Using the Scopus database, 242 papers were retrieved, reviewed, and submitted for bibliographic mapping using the VOSviewer^® software. This review provides a broad overview of just over 38 years' research on the subject, revealing that studies have significantly increased and peaked in 2020, being produced primarily by US researchers and published primarily in the journal Poultry Science. It also reveals that despite negative reports relating to some substances in the embryo, in ovo delivery of substances may possibly change the poultry industry for the better in terms of production rates (hatchability) and/or poultry health.

Nano-selenium alleviates cadmium-induced cerebellar injury by activating metal regulatory transcription factor 1 mediated metal response

This study aims to investigate the role of metal regulatory transcription factor 1 (MTF1)-mediated metal response in cadmium (Cd)-induced cerebellar injury, and to evaluate the antagonistic effects of nano-selenium (Nano-Se) against Cd toxicity. A total of 80 chicks (1 d old, male, Hy-Line Variety White) were randomly allocated to 4 treatment groups for 3 months: the control group (fed with a basic diet, n = 20), the Nano-Se group (basic diet with 1 mg/kg nano-Se 1 mg/kg Nano-Se in basic diet, n = 20), the Nano-Se + Cd group (basic diet with 1 mg/kg Nano-Se and 140 mg/kg CdCl₂, n = 20) and the Cd group (basic diet with 140 mg/kg CdCl₂ , n = 20). The results of the experiment showed that the Purkinje cells were significantly decreased with their degradation and indistinct nucleoli after Cd exposure. Moreover, exposure to Cd caused a significant accumulation of Cd and cupper. However, the contents of Se, iron, and zinc were decreased, thereby disturbing the metal homeostasis in the cerebellum. The Cd exposure also resulted in high levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and down regulation of selenoprotein transcriptome. Furthermore, the expressions of MTF1, metallothionein 1 (MT1), MT2, zinc transporter 3 (ZNT3), ZNT5, ZNT10, zrt, irt-like protein 8 (ZIP8), ZIP10, transferrin (TF), ferroportin 1 (FPN1), ATPase copper transporting beta (ATP7B), and copper uptake protein 1 (CTR1) were inhibited by Cd exposure. However, all these changes were significantly alleviated by the supplementation of Nano-Se. This study proved that Cd could disorder metal homeostasis and induce oxidative stress, whereas Nano-Se could relieve all these negative effects caused by Cd via activating the MTF1-mediated metal response in the cerebellum of chicken.

Comparing the Influences of Selenium Nanospheres, Sodium Selenite, and Biological Selenium on the Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, and Antioxidative Capacity of Growing Turkey Pullets

Supplementation of selenium in poultry feed is required in an optimum dose and form for optimizing the growth performance and health status. Selenium nanospheres are suggested as an efficient and alternative to the conventional organic or inorganic forms. The study evaluated the effects of selenium (Se) nanospheres (SeNPs) as an alternative to organic Se (Sel-Plex^®) or inorganic Se (sodium selenite, Se(IV Se(IV)) on the growth performance, carcass traits, blood biochemistry, and antioxidative capacity in turkey pullets. A total of 160 1-day-old Bronze turkey poults chicks were divided into four groups with 40 pullets each. The birds were fed on four types of diets as fellow: control (basal diet, 0.01 Se mg/kg), SeNPs (0.43 Se mg/kg), organic Se Sel-Plex^® (0.41 Se mg/kg), and inorganic Se(IV) (0.42 Se mg/kg) for 8 weeks. No changes were seen in the body weight gain in growing turkey pullet, but chicks fed with Sel-Plex^® form recorded the lowest feed intake (p < 0.05) compared to other treatments. Dietary SeNPs and Se(IV) selenium sources improved the feed conversion ratio compared to other treatments. All Se forms fed on turkey pullets showed higher carcass percentage weight and liver Se content than the control group. However, the gizzard percentage weight in the SeNPs group was lower than in the other treatments (p < 0.05). Birds fed SeNPs, and Sel-Plex^® forms supplemental diets had a lower cholesterol concentration (p < 0.05) than the control and Se(IV). While high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration was increased in SeNPs and Se(IV) groups, and total protein concentration was higher in the Se(IV) group. Furthermore, dietary SeNPs reduced (p < 0.05) the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total lipids, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine, uric acid, urea, and malondialdehyde plasma concentrations and increased the glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) and total antioxidative capacity (TAC). In conclusion, the results confirmed that feeding turkey pullets on SeNPs form with the 0.4 Se mg/kg of feed enhanced feed efficiency, growth performance, carcass traits, plasma lipids concentration, and antioxidative capacity.

Comparative study on protective effect of different selenium sources against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity via regulating the transcriptions of selenoproteome

Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, which mainly input to the aquatic environment through discharge of industrial and agricultural waste, can be a threat to human and animal health. Selenium (Se) possesses a beneficial role in protecting animals and ameliorating the toxic effects of Cd. However, the comparative antagonistic effects of different Se sources such as inorganic, organic Se and nano-form Se on Cd toxicity are still under-investigated. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the comparative of Se sources antagonism on Cd-induced nephrotoxicity via oxidative stress and selenoproteome transcription. In the present study, Cd-diet disturbed in the system balance of 5 trace elements (Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Se, Cd) and impaired renal function. Se sources, including nano- Se (NS), Se- yeast (SY), sodium selenite (SS) and mixed selenium (MS) significantly recovered the balance of 4 trace elements (Zn, Cu, Cd, Se) and renal impaired indexes (blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA)). Histological appearance of Cd-treated kidney indicated renal tubular epithelial vacuoles, particle degeneration and enlarged capsular space. Ultrastructure observation results illustrated that Cd-induced mitochondrial cristae reduction, membrane disappearance, and nuclear deformation. Treatment with Se sources, NS appeared a better impact on improving kidney tissues against the pathological alterations resulting from Cd administration. Meanwhile, NS reflected a significant impact on relieving Cd-induced kidney oxidative damage, and significantly restored the antioxidant defense system of the body. Our findings also showed NS ameliorated the Cd-induced downtrends expression of selenoproteome and selenoprotein synthesis related transcription factors. Overall, NS was the most effective Se source in avoiding of Cd cumulative toxicity, improving antioxidant capacity and regulating of selenoproteome transcriptome and selenoprotein synthesis related transcription factors expression, which contributes to ameliorate Cd-induced nephrotoxicity in chickens. These results demonstrated diet supplement with NS may prove to be an effective approach for alleviating Cd toxicity and minimizing Cd -induced health risk.

Nano-selenium on reproduction and immunocompetence: an emerging progress and prospect in the productivity of poultry research

Nanotechnology, an emerging and promising technology, has been implicated to revolutionize the poultry industry. The main aspect of nanotechnology was to modify or alter the particle size into nanometers and thereby alter the physical as well as chemical features of the particular molecules. Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, can play an immense role in the maintenance of diverse physiological functions, body metabolism and cellular homeostasis, and the performance of poultry. Selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) are of growing importance due to its nutrients digestibility, medicinal therapy, targeted drug delivery system, and production of vaccines. Se-nanoparticles are having importance due to its high bioavailability and digestive efficiency. Se-NPs have been implicated to increase relative weights of immune-related organs (burse and thymus) to enhance immunity and thereby modulate egg production as well as the reproductive performance of birds. The present review is highlighted on the significant role of nano-selenium on reproductive performance and immunocompetence in poultry as comparative advantages over conventional sources of Se in poultry diets.

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Alpha-Monolaurin on the Growth Performance, Lipid Peroxidation, and Immunity Response in Broilers

As the world population increases, there will be an increase in demand for poultry meat. To satisfy this requirement, sustainably will be a significant challenge as different countries in the world face different health problems. Additionally, for decades, poultry nutritionists have worked on sustainability in broiler manufacturing plants. The usage of short- and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which have positive effects as growth promoters and immunostimulants, is a pioneering way to decrease the cost of diets and improve environmentally friendly and sustainable production in this critical era. This study aimed at evaluating the influences of alpha-monoglyceride (alpha-monolaurin) on the growth performance, biochemical parameters, lipid profiles, liver oxidative stress, and immune response in broilers. Alpha-monolaurin was included at the levels of 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5, and 1 g/kg in broiler diets. After 33 days, dietary supplementation of alpha-monolaurin showed no impact on the feed intake; however, broilers fed 0.5 g/kg feed displayed a significantly reduced food conversion ratio, as compared to the control (p ≤ 0.05). However, body weight and body weight gain tended to increase after 0.25 g/kg alpha-monolaurin supplementation, as compared to other groups. The highest European production efficiency factor (EPEF) was obtained with 0.25 g/kg alpha-monolaurin supplementation. The ether extract utilization and spleen weight were improved substantially (p ≤ 0.05) by alpha-monolaurin supplementation, but muscle and other organ weights were not affected. Plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) was decreased significantly by alpha-monolaurin supplementation, while plasma total protein and albumin were enhanced (p ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, broilers fed alpha-monolaurin displayed an increased antibody titer of the Newcastle disease (ND) virus and muscle unsaturated fatty acid content, and a decreased liver content of malondialdehyde (MDA). It could be assumed that dietary supplementation of alpha-monolaurin positively impacts birds’ feed efficiency and immune response and can be applied as a natural immune enhancer in the broiler industry.

Maternal exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles is associated with ferroptosis in the brain: A chicken embryo model analysis

Ferroptosis is a form of cell death associated with iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. We used a chicken embryo model to investigate if ferroptosis was implicated in the molecular mechanism underlying the potential effects of maternal exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) on the developing brain. One hundred and eighty fertilized eggs were randomly divided into six groups (30 eggs/group; 10 eggs/replicate). Groups I and II received maghemite (γ-Fe₂ O₃ ) NPs (MGMNPs), while groups III and IV received magnetite (Fe₃ O₄ ) NPs (MGTNPs). Both MGMNP and MGTNP were administrated at the concentrations of 100 and 250 ppm. One group (placebo) received saline, and the other remained untreated (control). The compounds were given by in ovo method (0.3 ml/egg) only once on the first day of the embryonic period. Samples from cerebral tissue were collected on day 20 for histopathological, biochemical and gene expression analyses. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased; glutathione peroxidase (GPX) expression and activity decreased in IONPs-treated groups. Ferroptotic cells appeared in the cerebral tissue following exposure to the low dose of MGMNP and MGTNP. Oxidative stress and ferroptotic cells were more evident for MGMNP compared to MGTNP. The low dose of MGMNP and MGTNP induced more severe oxidative stress in the cerebral tissue. According to the results, maternal exposure to IONPs is associated with ferroptosis in the brain. This work could encourage future researches to investigate inhibitors of ferroptosis as a protective strategy against iron-induced cell injuries and cell death.

Yucca schidigera Usage for Healthy Aquatic Animals: Potential Roles for Sustainability

Simple Summary

This review presents an updated and exclusive collection of results about yucca’s beneficial effects as phytogenic additives for clean aquaculture activity. The overall performances of aquatic organisms treated with yucca as dietary additives of water cleaners encourage performing further studies to prove its mode of action based on biochemical and biological techniques.

Abstract

In modern aquaculture systems, farmers are increasing the stocking capacity of aquatic organisms to develop the yield and maximize water resources utilization. However, the accumulation of ammonia in fishponds regularly occurs in intensive aquaculture systems, resulting in reduced growth rates and poor health conditions. The inclusion of yucca extract is recognized as a practical solution for adsorbing the waterborne ammonia. Yucca has abundant amounts of polyphenolics, steroidal saponins, and resveratrol and can be used as a solution or as a powder. In this context, this review aimed to investigate the possible regulatory roles of yucca extract on aquatic animals’ performances. Concurrently, the feed utilization, growth performance, and physiological status of aquatic species can be improved. Additionally, the yucca application resulted in enhancing the antioxidative, immunological, and anti-inflammatory responses in several aquatic animals. Exclusively, the present review proposed a protective solution through the application of yucca extract in the aquafeed and rearing water of aquatic animals suffering from ammonia accumulation. Furthermore, it shows how yucca could enhance the growth, survival rates, blood biochemical quality, immunological indices, and the antioxidative capacity of aquatic animals in light of the relevant published data.

Marine-Derived Chitosan Nanoparticles Improved the Intestinal Histo-Morphometrical Features in Association with the Health and Immune Response of Grey Mullet (Liza ramada)

Marine-derived substances are known for their beneficial influences on aquatic animals’ performances and are recommended to improve intestinal health, immunity, and anti-oxidative status. The present study investigates the role of chitosan nanoparticles on the intestinal histo-morphometrical features in association with the health and immune response of Grey Mullet (Liza ramada). Chitosan nanoparticles are included in the diets at 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg and introduced to fish in a successive feeding trial for eight weeks. The final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR) parameters are significantly increased while feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreases by chitosan nanoparticles compared to the control (p < 0.05). The morphometric analysis of the intestines reveals a significant improvement in villus height, villus width, and the number of goblet cells in chitosan-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between the thickness of the enterocyte brush border and the chitosan dose, referring to an increasing absorptive activity. Histologically, the intestinal wall of Grey Mullet consists of four layers; mucosa, sub-mucosa, tunica muscularis (muscular layers), and serosa. The histological examination of the L. ramada intestine shows a normal histo-morphology. The epithelial layer of intestinal mucosa is thrown into elongated finger-like projections, the intestinal villi. The values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells (RBCs), total protein (TP), albumin, and globulin are significantly increased in fish fed 1, and 2 g/kg of chitosan nanoparticles compared to fish fed 0 and 0.5 g/kg (p < 0.05). The highest levels of TP and albumin are observed in fish fed 1 g/kg diet (p < 0.05). The lysozyme activity and phagocytic index are significantly enhanced by feeding chitosan nanoparticles at 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg, whereas the phagocytic activity is improved in fish fed 1 and 2 g/kg (p < 0.05). The highest lysozyme activity and phagocytic index are observed in fish fed 1 g/kg. SOD is significantly activated by feeding chitosan nanoparticles at 1 g/kg. Simultaneously, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities also are enhanced by feeding chitosan at 1 and 2 g/kg, compared to fish fed 0 and 0.5 g/kg (p < 0.05). The highest GPx and CAT activities are observed in fish fed 1 g/kg (p < 0.05). Conversely, the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels are decreased by feeding chitosan at 1 and 2 g/kg, with the lowest being in fish fed 1 g/kg (p < 0.05). To summarize, the results elucidate that L. ramada fed dietary chitosan nanoparticles have a marked growth rate, immune response, and anti-oxidative response. These improvements are attributed to the potential role of chitosan nanoparticles in enhancing intestinal histo-morphometry and intestinal health. These results soundly support the possibility of using chitosan nanoparticles at 1–2 g/kg as a feasible functional supplement for aquatic animals.

The Influence of Dietary Chicken Egg Lysozyme on the Growth Performance, Blood Health, and Resistance Against Escherichia coli in the Growing Rabbits' Cecum

The dietary chicken egg lysozyme (LZM) at different concentrations was tested on the growth performance, blood health, and resistance against Escherichia coli of growing rabbits. A total number of 48 rabbits averaged 611.25 g (5 weeks of age) of APRI line-rabbits (Egyptian developed line) were allocated into four treatments (three replicates and each contained four rabbits) of 5-week weaning APRI rabbits. The first group was fed a basal diet without LZM supplementation and served as a control group, whereas the remaining groups of rabbits were fed a basal diet supplemented with LZM at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg diet, respectively, for 8 weeks. The obtained results revealed that rabbits fed the basal diet supplemented with different concentrations of LZM linearly (P < 0.05) displayed improved growth performance and reduced feed intake and FCR. The best result was for rabbits fed a 200 mg per kg diet supplemented with LZM, followed by a 100 mg per kg diet. The total count of Escherichia coli and Clostridium count was linearly (P < 0.05) decreased by adding LZM at 100 and 200 mg/kg in the diets compared to the control groups. In contrast, total bacterial count and the total count of Lactobacilli had increased considerably by increasing LZM at different levels relative to the control groups. The LZM supplementation linearly (P < 0.05) increased hematological parameters (RBCs, PCV, Hb, and WBCs) together with an increase in lymphocyte count compared to the control group. The total protein and globulin concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) increased by feeding with LZM. On the other hand, ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by increasing LZM supplementation. It could be concluded that supplementation of the rabbit's diet with chicken egg LZM was able to improve the growth performance and hematological and serum biochemical parameters compared with the control group. Therefore, LZM is required at the rate of the hobx100-200 mg/kg diet as a potential feed additive and a friendly alternative for antibiotics in rabbit feed.