Effect of dietary lead on intestinal nutrient transporters mRNA expression in broiler chickens

Oxidative Stress in Poultry and the Therapeutic Role of Herbal Medicine in Intestinal Health

The intensive broiler farming model has accelerated the development of the poultry farming industry. However, it has also inevitably brought about many stressors that lead to oxidative stress in the organism. The intestine is the leading site of nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism, as well as a secretory and immune organ. Oxidative stress in animal production can harm the intestine, potentially leading to significant losses for the farming industry. Under conditions of oxidative stress, many free radicals are produced in the animal's body, attacking the intestinal mucosal tissues and destroying the barrier integrity of the intestinal tract, leading to disease. Recently, herbs have been shown to have a favorable safety profile and promising application in improving intestinal oxidative stress in poultry. Therefore, future in-depth studies on the specific mechanisms of herbs and their extracts for treating intestinal oxidative stress can provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of herbs and new therapeutic options for intestinal oxidative stress injury during poultry farming. This review focuses on the causes and hazards of oxidative stress in the intestinal tract of poultry, and on herbs and their extracts with therapeutic potential, to provide a reference for developing and applying new antioxidants.

Prenatal auditory stimulation and impacts on physiological response to feed restriction in broiler chickens at market age

Feed restriction could induce physiological stress in broiler chickens, leading to welfare issues. Prenatal stimulation could improve stress-coping mechanisms in poultry. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of subjecting developing embryos to auditory stimulation on physiological stress response to feed restriction in broiler chickens at market age. A total of 423 hatching eggs of Cobb 500 (Gallus domesticus) were subjected to the following auditory treatments: 1) no additional sound treatment other than the background sound of the incubator's compressors at 40 dB (CONTROL), 2) exposure to pre-recorded traffic noise at 90 dB (NOISE), and 3) exposure to Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K 488 at 90 dB) (MUSIC). The NOISE and MUSIC treatments were for 20 min/h for 24 h (a total of 8 h/d), starting from embryonic days (ED) 12 to hatching. On d 42, an equal number of birds from each prenatal auditory stimulation (PAS) group were subjected to either ad libitum feeding (AL) or 30-h of feed restriction (FR) in a completely randomised design. The FR chickens exhibited significantly higher serum levels of corticosterone (CORT), and heat shock protein (HSP) 70 compared to those of AL. Prenatal auditory stimulation, particularly NOISE, led to lower serum levels of CORT and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) levels compared to the CONTROL group. Additionally, NOISE significantly increased brain mRNA glucocorticoid receptor and HSP70 gene expression. The cecal population of E. coli and Lactobacillus spp. was not significantly affected by prenatal auditory stimulation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that prenatal auditory stimulation, particularly NOISE, positively impacts broiler chickens' ability to cope with feed restriction.

Economic and Productive Comparison of Rutin and Rutin-Loaded Chitosan Alginate Nanoparticles Against Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress in Cobb and Arbor Broiler Breeds

Rutin, a natural bioflavonoid compound, is one of the best-known antioxidants. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of rutin-loaded chitosan alginate nanoparticles (RCA NPs) against lead (Pb)-induced oxidative stress in two different broiler breeds. A total number of 240 chicks from Cobb (CB) and Arbor Acres (AR) breeds were randomly allocated into 4 groups/breed. The 1st group received standard basal diet (SD) and drinking water (DW) while the 2nd group received SD and Pb-incorporated DW (350 mg/L). The 3rd group treated with both rutin-supplemented SD (50 mg/kg feed), and DW contain Pb (350 mg/L). Finally, the 4th group administered RCA NPs-supplemented SD (50 mg/kg feed) and Pb-incorporated DW (350 mg/L). On the 40th day of experiment, broilers weighed, and blood samples collected for biochemical and hematological analysis then slaughtered. Economic efficiency, growth performance, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated. Gene expression level of growth-associated genes as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) and histopathological changes were assessed in liver and intestinal tissue of both breeds. Our results revealed that Pb-treated birds exhibited the lowest average body weight gain (BWG) and economic efficiency measures in both breeds while RCA NPs-treated groups revealed enhanced growth and economic performance. Furthermore, diet supplementation with RCA NPs considerably enhanced the antioxidant enzymes activity and expression of growth-associated genes than groups treated with rutin alone specifically in AR breed. In conclusion, RCA NPs supplementation could be a promising nanoformulation in poultry production through enhancing the antioxidant capacity and bioavailability of rutin.

Shifts in microbiota and gene expression of nutrient transporters, mucin and interleukins in the gut of fast-growing and slow-growing chickens infected by Salmonella Enteritidis

Slow-growing breeds are more resistant to Salmonella infection compared to fast-growing broilers. However, it is unclear whether that is associated with innate resistance or rather rely on differences in Salmonella-induced gut responses. We investigated the microbial composition and gene expression of nutrient transporters, mucin, and interleukin in the gut of a fast-growing (Cobb500) and a slow-growing naked neck (NN) chicken breeds challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis. Hatchlings were inoculated at two days of age using sterile broth (sham) or Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and distributed according to a completely randomized design into four treatments: Cobb-sham; Cobb-SE; NN-sham; and NN-SE. Cecal SE counting and microbial composition by 16 S rRNA sequencing were determined at 24-, 96-, and 168-hours post-inoculation (hpi). Gene expression of amino acid (Asct1) and peptide transporters (PepT1), glucose transporters (Sglt1, Glut2 and Glut5) and mucin (Muc2) in the jejunum and expression of interleukins (IL1 beta, IL8, IL17 and IL22) in the cecum was assessed by qPCR at 24 and 168 hpi. NN birds were colonized by SE just as Cobb birds but showed innate upregulation of Muc2, IL8 and IL17 in comparison to Cobb. While nutrient transporter mRNA expression was impaired in SE-challenged Cobb birds, the opposite was observed in NN. There were no differences in microbial diversity at different sampling times for Cobb-SE, whereas the other groups had higher diversity and lower dominance at 24 hpi compared with 96 hpi and 168 hpi. NN birds apparently develop earlier gut microbial stability, have higher basal level of mucin gene expression as well as differential nutrient transporter and interleukin gene expression in the presence of SE which might mitigate the effects of SE infection compared to Cobb birds.

Impact of Feeding Fermented Palm Kernel Cake and High Dietary Fat on Nutrient Digestibility, Enzyme Activity, Intestinal Morphology and Intestinal Nutrient Transporters mRNA Expression in Broiler Chickens under Hot and Humid Conditions

The study aimed at determining the ileal nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal morphology, and nutrient transporters mRNA expressions in broiler chickens fed with fermented PKC (LPKC) based diets with different levels of fat supplementation under hot and humid conditions. From day 22 to 35, broiler chickens were randomly fed with either (1) 20% LPKC-based diet with 5% palm oil, (2) 20% LPKC based diet with 9.5% palm oil, (3) 20% PKC-based diet with 5% palm oil or (4) 20% PKC-based diet with 9.5% palm oil. Feeding LPKC and PKC diets at the finisher phase have not affected the nutrient’s digestibility, but a higher level of oil supplementation does. This was seconded by changes in the digestive enzyme activity, villus height, and mRNA expression of nutrient transporters in the higher level of oil-supplemented diets fed chickens. In conclusion, the inclusion of oil at 9.5% in a 20% LPKC/PKC-based diet is necessary to ensure better nutrient digestibility in chickens via improved digestive function, especially in hot and humid tropical regions.

Dose-dependent effect of chronic exposure to lead acetate on the dynamics of the content of delta-aminolevulinic acid and essential trace elements in the serum of laying hens

  One of the most global and dangerous pollutants is considered to be lead, due to its ability to accumulate in living organisms, to be included in the metabolic cycle, to form highly toxic organometallic compounds, not being biodegradable. To study the chronic effects of lead acetate, an experiment was performed on laying hens of Lohmann Brown cross. For research, one control and three experimental groups were formed, 20 chickens in each. Birds of the experimental groups were administered lead acetate daily with compound feed in doses (in terms of metal): Group I – 50 mg/kg of feed, II – 75 mg/kg of feed, III – 150 mg/kg of feed. Access to water was not restricted. The birds of the control group received a complete diet without lead acetate. On the 30th, 90th, 120th days of the experiment and the 20th day after withdrawal of the toxicant (the 140th day of the experiment), we took blood samples from birds for biochemical and toxicological studies. The concentration of delta-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA) in the serum of laying hens was determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Determination of the content of lead in the serum of laying hens was performed by X-ray fluorescence analysis. The concentration of total calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium in the serum of the laying hens was determined using production kits. We detected the dose-dependent chronic effect of lead acetate on the dynamics of the content of delta-aminolevulinic acid and essential trace elements in the serum of laying hens. The administration of lead acetate into the body of productive poultry for 120 days in doses of 50, 75, and 150 mg/kg with feed did not cause visible clinical signs of poisoning, but caused a violation of porphyrin metabolism, manifested in a reliable increase in the concentration of delta-aminolevulinic acid in serum on the 30th, 90th and 120th days of the experiment. It has been experimentally proven that the administration into the body of laying hens of lead acetate in doses of 50, 75 and 150 mg/kg of feed for 120 days leads to the maximum accumulation of lead in the serum on the 30th, 90th, and 120th days of the experiment. Prolonged administration of lead acetate to laying hens at high concentrations is characterized by a reliable decrease in the content of total calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium in the serum of laying hens and a reliable increase in the content of ferrum. In the future it is necessary to study the intensity of lipid peroxidation processes in laying hens under chronic exposure to lead acetate.

Antioxidant Status of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Supplemented with Vinification By-Products: A Valorization Approach

Vinification by-products display great potential for utilization as feed additives rich in antioxidant compounds. Thus, the effect of dietary ground grape pomace (GGP), wine lees extract rich in yeast cell walls (WYC), and grape stem extracts (PE) on the relative expression of several genes involved in liver oxidative mechanisms and the oxidative status of the blood and breast muscle of broiler chickens was investigated. In total, 240 one-day-old as hatched chicks (Ross 308) were assigned to four treatments, with four replicate pens and 15 birds in each pen. Birds were fed either a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 25 g/kg GGP, or 2 g/kg WYC, or 1 g starch including 100 mg pure stem extract/kg (PE) for 42 days. The polyphenolic content of vinification by-products was determined using an LC-MS/MS library indicating as prevailing compounds procyanidin B1 and B2, gallic acid, caftaric acid, (+)-catechin, quercetin, and trans-resveratrol. Body weight and feed consumption were not significantly affected. The relative transcript level of GPX1 and SOD1 tended to increase in the liver of WYC-fed broilers, while NOX2 tended to decrease in the PE group. SOD activity in blood plasma was significantly increased in WYC and PE compared to the CON group. The total antioxidant capacity measured with FRAP assay showed significantly higher values in the breast muscle of PE-fed broilers, while the malondialdehyde concentration was significantly decreased in both WYC- and PE-fed broilers compared to the CON group. The exploitation of vinification by-products as feed additives appears to be a promising strategy to improve waste valorization and supply animals with bioactive molecules capable of improving animals' oxidative status and products' oxidative stability.

Quercetin Dietary Supplementation Advances Growth Performance, Gut Microbiota, and Intestinal mRNA Expression Genes in Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

The biological activity of quercetin is diverse, particularly antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibacterial. The impacts of quercetin nutritional supplementations on growth performance, humoral immunity, gut microbiota and mRNA in broiler chickens were recorded.

Abstract

Quercetin was fed to groups of broiler chickens at concentrations of 200, 400, and 800 ppm, and a control group was supplemented with a basal diet. Results revealed that quercetin dietary supplementation numerically improved the growth performance traits and significantly increased (p < 0.05) the European production efficiency factor (EPEF) in the 200 ppm group. The total coliforms and Clostridium perfringens were decreased (p < 0.05) in quercetin-supplemented groups. Conversely, Lactobacillus counts were increased (p < 0.05), due to improvement of the gut microbiota environment in quercetin-supplemented groups. Moreover, the mRNA expression of intestinal Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and nutritional transporters, including glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), peptide transporter 1 (PEPT1), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) genes, were significantly upregulated in quercetin-supplemented groups. Quercetin enhanced intestinal morphometry. We can suggest quercetin supplementation in broiler chickens by levels between 200 and 400 ppm to enhance their development and gut environment.

Effects of encapsulated cinnamaldehyde on growth performance, intestinal digestive and absorptive functions, meat quality and gut microbiota in broiler chickens

Essential oils are potential antimicrobial alternatives and their applications in animal feeds are limited due to their fast absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This study investigated the effects of encapsulated cinnamaldehyde (CIN) at 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg on the growth performance, organ weights, meat quality, intestinal morphology, jejunal gene expression, nutrient digestibility, and ileal and cecal microbiota. A total of 320 male day-old broiler Cobb-500 chicks were randomly allocated to four treatments with eight pens per treatment (10 birds per pen): 1) basal diet (negative control, NC); 2) basal diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg avilamycin premix (positive control, PC); 3) basal diet with 50 mg/kg encapsulated CIN (EOL); 4) basal diet with 100 mg/kg encapsulated CIN (EOH). Despite birds fed EOH tended to increase (P = 0.05) meat pH at 24 h, all pH values were normal. Similar to PC group, meats from birds fed EOL and EOH showed a reduced (P < 0.05) Warner-Bratzler force shear (WBFS) compared to the NC group. The highest villus to crypt ratios (VH/CD; P < 0.05) were observed in broilers fed either EOL or EOH, with an average of 14.67% and 15.13% in the duodenum and 15.13% and 13.58% in the jejunum, respectively. For jejunal gene expressions, only six out of the 11 studied genes showed statistically significant differences among the dietary treatments. Gene expressions of cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT-1) and neutral amino acid transporter 1 (B0AT-1) were upregulated in EOH-fed birds compared to PC and NC-fed birds (P < 0.05), respectively; while the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was downregulated in EOL-fed birds when compared to NC birds (P < 0.05). Nonetheless, the expressions of cadherin 1 (CDH-1), zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), and maltase-glucoamylase (MG) were all upregulated (P < 0.05) in EOH-fed birds compared to PC-fed birds. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and of all 18 tested amino acids increased in EOL-fed birds (P < 0.01). Additionally, relative abundances (%) of ileal Proteobacteria decreased, while ileal and cecal Lactobacillus increased in EOH-fed birds (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary encapsulated CIN improved meat quality and gut health by reducing meat WBFS, increasing VH/CD in intestines, jejunal gene expressions, AID of nutrients and beneficial ileal and cecal microbiota composition.

Effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on regulatory appetite and heat stress protein genes in broiler chickens subjected to heat stress

This study was conducted to explore the effect of the zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) supplement on the regulatory appetite and heat stress (HS) genes in broiler chickens raised under high or normal ambient temperatures. In this study, 240 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned to 48 battery cages. From day 1, these 48 cages were randomly subjected to four different treatment strategies: Control (wherein, their basal diet included 60 mg/kg of ZnO), ZNONPs 40 (wherein basal diet included 40 mg/kg of ZnONPs), ZnONPs 60 (basal diet included 60 mg/kg of ZnONPs), and ZnONPs 100 (basal diet included 100 mg/kg of ZnONPs). Thereafter, from day 22 to 42, the chickens from each dietary treatment group were subjected to different temperature stresses either normal (23 ± 1 °C constant) or HS (34 ± 1 °C for 6 h/d), which divided them into eight different treatment groups. Our findings revealed that dietary ZnONPs altered the gene expression of cholecystokinin (ileum), heat stress proteins (HSP) 70 (jejunum and ileum), and HSP 90 (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum). The gene expression of ghrelin was affected by the interaction between the ZnONPs concentration and temperature in the duodenum and stomach. More studies are required to elucidate its complex physiological and biochemical functions of the regulation of gene expression within the intestine in heat-stressed broiler chickens.

Evaluated the lead levels at boiling water in clay pots and impact of the lead contaminated diet on nutritional, biochemical status of male rats

Background

For centuries, people have been using clay or earthen pots for cooking. Also, many studies indicated a contrariety from safety or danger of it. Our study aims to assess the lead concentration in boiling water in clay pots. Contaminated the diet with lead acetate and evaluated the nutritional, biochemical statues, and histological studies for male albino rats.

Step A: Ten samples of the distilled water and/or tap water were boiled in the clay pots (glaze and/or unglazed). Then, it was left to cool for either 2 or 4 h.

Step B: Thirty male albino rats divided three groups as follows: group 1: fed on basal diet (negative control), group2: fed on basal diet+466.5 mg/kg body wt of lead acetate (L1), group 3: fed on the basal diet+933 mg/kg body wt of lead acetate (L2).

Results

Lead concentrations in distilled water samples boiled in glazed clay pots were significantly higher than the negative control. Tap water samples boiled in glazed clay pots showed lead concentrations that were significantly higher than that of the positive control. Whereas, lead concentrations in distilled water boiled in the unglazed clay pots and left to cool for either 2 h or 4 h showed no significant differences compared to the negative control. Besides, rats fed L1 and L2 of lead acetate had a significant decrease in BWG and food intake compared with the negative control group. Also, rats were given lead acetate at the two levels (L1 and L2) had significantly lower levels of hemoglobin, RBCs, and WBCs compared with rats fed basic diet only (negative control). Data illustrated that the rats of groups 2 and 3 have increased significantly in GOT concentration of serum, a significant increase in cholesterol and triglycerides levels, and increased significantly in creatinine, urea, and lead concentration in serum compared with the (negative control).

Conclusion

Bring the clay pots for cooking would be unglazed and natural forming, even if glazed may be having certified a lead free.

Weighted single-step genome-wide association study and pathway analyses for feed efficiency traits in Nellore cattle

The aim was to conduct a weighted single-step genome-wide association study to detect genomic regions and putative candidate genes related to residual feed intake, dry matter intake, feed efficiency (FE), feed conversion ratio, residual body weight gain, residual intake and weight gain in Nellore cattle. Several protein-coding genes were identified within the genomic regions that explain more than 0.5% of the additive genetic variance for these traits. These genes were associated with insulin, leptin, glucose, protein and lipid metabolisms; energy balance; heat and oxidative stress; bile secretion; satiety; feed behaviour; salivation; digestion; and nutrient absorption. Enrichment analysis revealed functional pathways (p-value < .05) such as neuropeptide signalling (GO:0007218), negative regulation of canonical Wingless/Int-1 (Wnt) signalling (GO:0090090), bitter taste receptor activity (GO:0033038), neuropeptide hormone activity (GO:0005184), bile secretion (bta04976), taste transduction (bta0742) and glucagon signalling pathway (bta04922). The identification of these genes, pathways and their respective functions should contribute to a better understanding of the genetic and physiological mechanisms regulating Nellore FE-related traits.

Evaluation of Waste Mushroom Compost as a Feed Supplement and Its Effects on the Fat Metabolism and Antioxidant Capacity of Broilers

Simple Summary

Mushroom waste compost is the main byproduct when cultivating mushrooms. Due to its high mycelium content, mushroom waste compost may improve animal health by increasing antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests that supplementing animal diets with fiber could improve body composition and health. The results showed that supplementation with mushroom waste compost accelerates adipolysis and enhances the antioxidant capacity of broilers. Among all treatment groups, broilers given dietary supplementation with 0.5% mushroom waste compost showed improved feed conversion rate and the highest adipose metabolism.

Abstract

Pennisetum purpureum Schum No. 2 waste mushroom compost (PWMC) is the main byproduct when cultivating Pleurotus eryngii. Due to the high mycelium levels in PWMC, it may have potential as a feed supplement for broilers. This study investigated the effects of PWMC supplementation on antioxidant capacity and adipose metabolism in broilers. In the study, 240 broilers were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: basal diet (control), 0.5%, 1%, or 2% PWMC supplementation. Each treatment group had 60 broilers, divided into three replicates. The results showed that supplementation with 0.5% PWMC decreased the feed conversion rate (FCR) from 1.36 to 1.28, compared to the control. Supplementation with 0.5% or 2% PWMC decreased glucose and triglyceride levels, compared to the control (p < 0.0001), the concentrations of adiponectin and oxytocin increased from 5948 to 5709, 11820, and 7938 ng/ mL; and 259 to 447, 873, and 963 pg/ mL, respectively. Toll-like receptor 4 was slightly increased in the 0.5% and 1% PWMC groups. Both interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) were significantly decreased, by about three to five times for IFN-γ (p < 0.0001) and 1.1 to 1.6 times for IL-1ß (p = 0.0002). All antioxidant-related mRNA, including nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and superoxidase dismutase-1 (SOD-1), increased significantly following PWMC supplementation. Both claudin-1 and zonula occludens 1 increased, especially in the 2% PWMC group. Excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3) significantly increased by about 5, 12, and 11 times in the 0.5%, 1%, and 2% PWMC groups. All adipolysis-related mRNA were induced in the PWMC treatment groups, further enhancing adipolysis. Overall, 0.5% PWMC supplementation was recommended due to its improving FCR, similar antioxidant capacity, and upregulated adipolysis.

Oral Supplementation of Lead-Intolerant Intestinal Microbes Protects Against Lead (Pb) Toxicity in Mice

Oral exposure to the heavy metal lead (Pb) causes various dysfunctions in animals. However, the influence of gut bacteria on Pb absorption, bioaccumulation, and excretion is largely unknown. In this study, we use a mouse model to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota, Pb-intolerant intestinal microbes and Pb toxicity. First, mice were treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic cocktail to deplete their gut microbiota, and were then acutely and orally exposed to Pb at 1304 mg/kg for 3 days. Compared to the control mice, antibiotic-treated mice had increased Pb concentrations in the blood and primary organs and decreased Pb fecal concentrations, suggesting that gut microbiota limited the Pb burden that developed from acute oral Pb exposure. Next, three Pb-intolerant gut microbes, Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Oscillibacter ruminantium, were orally administered to mice, and their effects against Pb toxicity were evaluated. F. prausnitzii treatment significantly promoted the fecal Pb excretion and reduced Pb concentrations in blood (from 152.70 ± 25.62 μg/dL to 92.20 ± 24.33 μg/dL) and primary tissues. Supplementation with O. ruminantium significantly decreased Pb concentrations in blood (from 152.70 ± 25.62 μg/dL to 104.60 ± 29.85 μg/dL) and kidney (from 7.30 ± 1.08 μg/g to 5.64 ± 0.79 μg/g). Treatment with F. prausnitzii and O. ruminantium also upregulated tight junction (TJ) protein expression and the production of short-chain fatty acids by colonic microbiota, and showed protective effects against liver and kidney toxicity. These results indicate the potential for reducing Pb toxicity by the modulation of gut microbiota.

Effects of Chromium-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on the Intestinal Electrophysiological Indices and Glucose Transporters in Broilers

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chromium-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Cr-CNPs) on the electrophysiological indices, gene expression of glucose transporters, and tissue glycogen in broilers. A total of 200 one-day-old broilers were randomly divided into five groups, with each having five replicates (n = 8). Group A was fed a corn-soybean meal diet, while the diets of groups B, C, D, and E were supplemented with 200, 400, 800, and 1200 µg/kg of Cr as Cr-CNPs, respectively. On day 35, the jejunum was collected for electrophysiological study, gene expression of glucose transporters, and tissues glycogen determination. The basal short-circuit current and tissue conductance before the addition of glucose was the same in all groups. Following the addition of glucose, the change in short-circuit current decreased (p < 0.05) in the jejunal tissues of birds supplemented with 400 and 1200 µg Cr-CNPs compared with the control group. Gene expression of SGLT-1 and GLUT-2 remained unaffected with supplementation. The serum glucose and liver glycogen concentration decreased (p < 0.05) linearly with supplementation, while no effect was observed on muscle glycogen. In conclusion, Cr-CNPs supplementation decreases the glucose absorption and liver glycogen content, without affecting the gene expression of glucose transporters.

In vitro estimation of metal-induced disturbance in chicken gut-oviduct chemokine circuit

Backgrounds

Heavy metals affect various processes in the embryonic development. Embryonic fibroblasts (EFs) play key roles in the innate recognition and wound healing in reproductive tissues.

Methods

Based on the relative toxicities of different inorganic metals and inorganic nonmetallic compounds against murine and chicken EF cells, mechanistic estimations were performed based on transcriptomic analyses.

Results

Lead (II) acetate induced preferential injuries in the chicken EF and mechanistic analyses using transcriptome revealed that chemokine receptor-associated events are potently involved in metal-induced adverse actions. As an early sentinel of metal exposure, the precision-cut intestine slices (PCIS) induced the expression of chemokines including CXCLi1 or CXCLi2, which were potent gut-derived factors that activate chemokine receptors in reproductive organs after circulation.

Conclusion

EF-selective metals can be estimated to trigger the chemokine circuit in the gut-reproductive axis of chickens. This in vitro methodology using PCIS-EF culture could be used as a promising alternate platform for the reproductive immunotoxicological assessment.

Yupingfeng polysaccharides enhances growth performance in Qingyuan partridge chicken by up-regulating the mRNA expression of SGLT1, GLUT2 and GLUT5

The ban on the use of antibiotic in feed encouraged nutritionists to using alternatives to maintain growth performance and intestinal function of broilers. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Yupingfeng polysaccharides (YP) supplementation on growth performance and expression of SGLT1, GLUT2 and GLUT5 in Qingyuan partridge chicken. Experiment 1: a total of 540 chickens were randomly allocated to five groups with six replication. Dietary treatments were: (1) CON (control group), basal diet; (2) T1, CON + 0.5 g kg-1 YP; (3) T2, CON + 1 g kg-1 YP; (4) T3, CON + 2 g kg-1 YP; (5) T4, CON + 4 g kg-1 YP. Experiment 2, a total of 162 were randomly allocated to three groups with three replication. Dietary treatments were: (1) CON, basal diet; (2) T1, CON + 0.5 g kg-1 YP; (3) T2, CON + 1 g kg-1 YP. From days 1 to 14 and overall, chicken fed T1 diet had higher ADG. On day 42, there was increased villus height of jejunum in T1 group. On days 14 and 28, there was decreased villus height of duodenum and jejunum in T2 group. In duodenum, the expression of SGLT1 (days 21, 35 and 42), GLUT2 (days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) and GLUT5 (days 7, 14, 21 and 28) was increased with YP supplementation. In jejunum, the expression of SGLT1 (days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35), GLUT2 (days 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) and GLUT5 (days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) was increased with YP supplementation. In ileum, the expression of SGLT1 (days 7, 21, 35 and 42), GLUT2 (days 7, 14, 21 and 42) and GLUT5 (days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) was increased with YP supplementation. Dietary YP supplementation improves growth performance and expression of SGLT1, GLUT2 and GLUT5 in intestine.

Both experimental hypo- and hyper-thyroidism exacerbate the adverse effects of chronic heat stress in broilers

1. The effects of hypo- and hyper-thyroidism in mitigating or exacerbating the negative changes of chronic heat stress (HS) in broilers were investigated.2. Three-week-old broilers were distributed into six groups (n = 13 per group). Three groups were housed at ambient room temperature: control group (CN), propylthiouracil-treated group (AN) and thyroxine-treated group (TN). The other three groups were exposed to HS at 33 ± 1°C for 2 weeks: control heat stress (CH), propylthiouracil + heat stress (AH) and thyroxine + HS (TH).3. Induced hypothyroidy significantly decreased cloacal temperature and body weight gain in the birds in both the normal and HS groups (AN, AH). Conversely, hyperthyroidy resulted in a significant elevation in cloacal temperature in the TN and TH groups and a significant decline in weight gain in the TH group. Hyperthyroidy exacerbated the HS-induced degenerative changes in jejunal mucosa and caused noticeable vascular changes. A significant increase in the expression levels of jejunal nutrient transporter genes was observed in the AH and TH groups. The hyperthyroidic state significantly upregulated the HSP70 expression level in the TH group and the reverse occurred with propylthiouracil (PTU) treatment in the AH group.4. PTU supplementation to chicks reared under HS significantly decreased the triiodothyronine level, antibody (Ab) titre, and increased the heterophil-lymphocyte ratio. Furthermore, it induced higher hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the AN and AH groups and decreased the malondialdehyde content (MDA) in the AN group. Hyperthyroidy significantly increased triiodothyronine concentration, H/L ratio and decreased Hb concentration and Ab titres in the TH group. Additionally, this status increased the MDA content and decreased the GSH-Px activities.5. In conclusion, manipulation of thyroid status is not a remedy to overcome the undesirable effects of HS in broilers.

Gut health and serum growth hormone levels of broiler chickens fed dietary chitin and chitosan from cricket and shrimp

Growth hormones (GH) alone does not explain the growth rate in the chicken as growth in an animal is multi-factorial. Normal morphology of the intestinal villus and crypt, with adequate regulation of intestinal nutrient transporters, is essential to a healthy gut. Nutrition plays a significant role in gut health management, but information on the effect of dietary chitin and chitosan on gut morphology, gene expression of nutrient transporter, and serum levels of GH in broiler chickens is scanty. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the comparative effect of dietary chitin and chitosan from cricket and shrimp on the small intestinal morphology, relative gene expression of intestinal nutrient transporters and serum level of GH in the broiler. A total of 150 day-old male Cobb500 broiler chicks were randomly allotted to one of the five treatment groups (n = 30). Treatment 1 was fed basal diet only, treatments 2 to 5 were fed a basal diet with 0.5 g cricket chitin, cricket chitosan, shrimp chitin, and shrimp chitosan, respectively, per kg diet. At days 21 and 42, duodenal and jejunal samples were assessed for structural morphology and jejunum for the relative gene expression of PepT1, EAAT3, SGLT1, and SGLT5 using quantitative real-time PCR. Results bared that dietary cricket chitosan and shrimp chitosan significantly (P < 0.05) improved jejunal villus height and reduced crypt depth without improving the body weight (BW). The gut morphology of birds under cricket chitin was poor and significantly (P < 0.05) different from other treated groups. Both the dietary chitin and chitosan at day 21 and only dietary chitosan at day 42 significantly (P < 0.05) down-regulated the relative mRNA expression of PepT1, EAAT3, SGLT1, and SGLT5 of broiler chickens. Treated groups differ non-significantly at both phases, while cricket chitin numerically increased the relative expression of PepT1, EAAT3, and SGLT1. Therefore, the potential of cricket chitin to improve BW and to up-regulate nutrient transporters is worthy of further exploration.

Propolis supplementation attenuates the negative effects of oxidative stress induced by paraquat injection on productive performance and immune function in turkey poults

Paraquat (PQ) is used as a herbicide in agriculture and causes oxidative and inflammatory damage to animal tissues. The current study was conducted to investigate the positive effects of dietary propolis (PR), as a potent naturally produced antioxidant, on growth performance and immune function of turkey poults exposed to oxidative stress induced by PQ injection. Native male turkey poults (n = 120, 49-d-old) were randomly assigned into 4 groups: poults received a basal diet with a daily subcutaneous PQ injection of 5 mg/kg BW for 7 consecutive days (PQ group), an experimental diet containing 1 g/kg PR with a daily subcutaneous PQ injection for 7 days (PR+PQ group), or received the experimental PR diet with a daily subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mL sterile saline for 7 days (PR group); while the control poults received a basal diet with a daily subcutaneous saline injection for 7 consecutive days (C group). The productive performance in the PQ group showed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the weight gain (WG) and feed intake (FI), and impaired feed conversion ratio (FCR). Propolis supplementation in the PR+PQ group significantly ameliorated the PQ effects on WG and FCR. Turkey poults of the PQ and PR+PQ groups had a significant augmentation in the blood malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and corticosterone levels, and in contrast, a significant reduction in the triiodothyronine (T₃), when compared to the C group. While propolis significantly reduced the MDA and corticosterone, and increased the T₃ levels in the PR+PQ group compared to the PQ group. Furthermore, the dietary PR supplementation significantly limited the PQ-suppressive effects on cell- and humoral-mediated immunity and lymphocyte proliferation of turkey poults. In addition, propolis supplementation in the PR and PR+PQ groups markedly reversed the PQ-induced DNA fragmentation and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) over-expression in blood cells. It can be concluded that PR could improve turkey immunity and performance, particularly under inflammation and oxidative stress induced by PQ exposure.

Exogenous dietary enzyme formulations improve growth performance of broiler chickens fed a low-energy diet targeting the intestinal nutrient transporter genes

Diminishing the cost of broiler chicken diet is a critical issue in the poultry industry. Numerous studies were performed to achieve this pivotal objective by diet supplementation with alternative feed additives. In the current study, low-energy broiler rations were supplemented with different commercial multienzyme formulations to minimize the cost, and increase the digestibility and absorption of the digested macronutrients. Cobb Avian 48 broiler chicks (mixed sex, 1-d-old, n = 3120) were randomly allocated into six groups, and each group was subdivided into four replicates (130 birds per replicate). The birds were randomly allocated into a control group fed basal diet (CB); control group fed low-energy diet (CL); and birds fed low-energy diets supplemented with different enzyme formulations. The enzyme formulations used were Xylam 500® (CLX group), Hemicell® (CLH group), Avizyme® (CLA group), and Megazyme® (CLM group,) following the doses recommended by the manufacturers. The growth performance of CLA and CLH group birds was significantly improved when compared with CL. In comparison with CB, Avizyme® significantly (p < 0.001) increased the intestinal PEPT1, GLUT2, ACC, and IL-2 expression; PEPT1 facilitates the absorption of micronutrients. In conclusion, exogenous multienzyme complexes may be included in the low-energy diet to enhance the performance of broiler chickens (Avizyme® ˃ Hemicell® ˃ Megazyme®), and reduce the diet cost by up-regulating the expression of intestinal nutrient transporter genes, and improving the immunity and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens.

Transporter Gene Expression and Transference of Fructose in Broiler Chick Intestine

Recent studies have suggested that a high-fructose diet leads to the development of metabolic syndrome in mammals. However, relatively little information is available regarding the absorption of fructose in the chicken intestine. We therefore investigated fructose absorption and its transporters in the chicken small intestine. The gene expression of three transporters (glucose transporter protein member 2 and 5 and sodium-dependent glucose transporter protein 1) in the jejunum of fasted chicks were lower than those in chicks fed ad libitum. The everted intestinal sacs (in vitro method for investigating intestinal absorption) showed that the concentration of fructose uptake rapidly increased within 15 min after incubation, and then gradually increased until 60 min. After 15 min of incubation, fructose uptake in the ad libitum chick intestine was approximately 2-fold that in the fasted intestine and was less than half of the glucose uptake in the ad libitum chick intestine. Our results suggest that fructose is absorbed in the small intestine of chicks and that uptake is decreased by fasting treatment with decreases in the mRNA expression of related transporters.

Modulation of Immune Function in Rats Using Oligosaccharides Extracted from Palm Kernel Cake

To investigate the prebiotic and immunomodulatory effects of PKC extract (OligoPKC) a total of 24 male rats were randomly assigned to three treatment groups receiving basal diet (control), basal diet containing 0.5% OligoPKC, or basal diet containing 1% OligoPKC for four weeks. We found that OligoPKC had no significant effect on the tested growth parameters. However, it increased the size of the total and beneficial bacterial populations while reducing pathogen populations. OligoPKC increased the concentration of immunoglobulins in the serum and cecal contents of rats. It also enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the liver while reducing lipid peroxidation in liver tissue. OligoPKC affected the expression of genes involved in immune system function in the intestine. Therefore, OligoPKC could be considered a potential mannan-based prebiotic for humans and animals due to its beneficial effects on the health and well-being of the model rats.

Alleviation by gamma amino butyric acid supplementation of chronic heat stress-induced degenerative changes in jejunum in commercial broiler chickens

High ambient temperature adversely influences poultry production. In the present study, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) supplementation was used to alleviate the adverse changes due to heat stress (HS) in a broiler chicken strain (Ross 308). At 21 days of age, the birds were divided into four groups of 13. Two groups were housed under normal room temperature, one group was given orally 0.2 ml 0.9% physiological saline (CN) daily, the other group received 0.2 ml of 0.5% GABA solution orally (GN). A third group was exposed to environmental HS (33 ± 1 °C lasting for 2 weeks) + physiological saline (CH) and a fourth group was exposed to HS + GABA supplementation (GH). GABA supplementation during HS significantly reduced the birds' increased body temperature (p <.0001) and increased their body weight gain (p <.0001). This effect was associated with increases in the heat stress-induced reductions in jejunal villus length, crypt depth and mucous membrane thickness, and decreases in the vascular changes occurred due to HS. Additionally, GABA supplementation significantly modulated HS-induced changes in glucose facilitated transporter 2 (GLUT2), peptide transporter 1 (PEPT1) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA expression in the jejunal mucosa (p < .0001). GABA supplementation also significantly elevated the triiodothyronine (T₃) hormone level and hemoglobin levels and decreased the heterophil-lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio) (p <.0001). Furthermore, it induced higher hepatic glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GSH-Px) activities and decreased the malondialdehyde dehydrogenase (MDA) content. These results indicate that GABA supplementation during HS may be used to alleviate HS-related changes in broiler chickens.

In Ovo and dietary administration of oligosaccharides extracted from palm kernel cake influence general health of pre- and neonatal broiler chicks

Palm kernel cake (PKC) is the main byproduct from the palm oil industry in several tropical countries that contains considerable amounts of oligosaccharide. We earlier demonstrated beneficial prebiotic effects of oligosaccharides extract of PKC (OligoPKC) in starter and finisher broiler birds. This study was envisaged to elucidate the effects of in ovo and/or oral administration of the OligoPKC on prenatal and post-hatched broiler chicks. A total of 140 broiler (Cobb500) eggs were randomly divided into two groups (n = 70 each), and on day 12 of incubation, eggs in one group received in ovo injection of 0.1 mL (containing 20 mg) of OligoPKC, while those in the other group received 0.1 mL of saline (placebo) solution. Of these in ovo placebo or OligoPKC injected eggs, after hatching, six chicks from each group were sampled for day-one analysis, while 48 chicks from each group were randomly allocated to two dietary regimes involving either no feeding or feeding of OligoPKC through basal diet for a 14 days experiment forming the experimental groups as: (i) saline-injected (Control, C), (ii) OligoPKC-injected (PREBovo), (iii) saline-injected, but fed 1% OligoPKC (PREBd), and (iv) OligoPKC-injected and also 1% OligoPKC (PREBovo+d). In ovo injection of prebiotic OligoPKC had no effect on body weight and serum immunoglobulins concentrations of day old chicks, except for IgG, which was increased significantly (P<0.05). Body weight and feed conversion ratio of 14 days old chicks were neither affected by in ovo injection nor feeding of OligoPKC. However, populations of cecal total bacteria and major beneficial bacteria of the chicks were markedly enhanced by feeding of OligoPKC (PREBd and PREBovo+d > C and PREBovo), but lesser influenced by in ovo OligoPKC injection. Irrespective of its prior in ovo exposure, chicks fed OligoPKC diets had lower population of pathogenic bacteria. Overall serum immunoglobulin status of birds was improved by feeding of OligoPKC but in ovo OligoPKC injection had minor effect on that. In most cases, in ovo OligoPKC injection and feeding of OligoPKC reduced the expression of nutrient transporters in the intestine and improved antioxidant capacity of liver and serum. It is concluded that in ovo injection of OligoPKC increased IgG production and antioxidant capacity in serum and liver of prenatal chicks and had limited carrying-over effects on the post-hatched chicks comparing to the supplementary feeding of OligoPKC.

In vitro assessment on effect of duodenal contents on the lead (Pb2+) binding capacity of two probiotic bacterial strains

In vitro Lead (Pb²⁺) binding capacity of two probiotic bacteria strains, namely Bifidobacterium longumBB79 and Lactobacillus pentosusITA23, was assessed following incubation with the intestinal contents (IC) of laying hens. Results of this study demonstrated that IC treatment significantly enhanced (P<0.01) Pb²⁺ binding capacity of both bacterial strains. Fourier transform infrared analysis indicated that several functional groups (O-H or N-H, C-H, C˭O, C-O, and C-O-C) on the bacteria cell wall involved in metal ion binding were altered after IC incubation, and new groups appeared between the 3700cm^-1 and 4000cm^-1bands. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that after incubation with IC, unidentified IC components created new binding sites on the bacterial cell surface. These particles also changed the mechanism of Pb²⁺ binding of the two strains from intracellular accumulation to extracellular adsorption.

Lead biosorption of probiotic bacteria: effects of the intestinal content from laying hens

This study investigated the effects and the possible mechanisms of intestinal content (IC) from laying hens on in vitro lead (Pb²⁺) biosorption of four probiotic bacterial strains (Bifidobacterium longum BB79, Lactobacillus paracasei Kgl6, Lactobacillus pentosus ITA23, and Lactobacillus acidipiscis ITA44). The total Pb²⁺ removal capacity of the four probiotic strains, with and without capsule polysaccharides (CPSs), increased in the presence of IC compared to the control (without IC). SEM imaging revealed certain unidentified particles from the IC adhered on the surface of bacterial cells sorted out using flow cytometry. Follow-up experiment showed an overall trend of increase in the Pb²⁺ removal capacity of the sorted bacteria, but statistically significant for L. pentosus ITA23 and B. longum BB79 after incubation with IC, particularly with the suspended solid portion of the IC. In addition, the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer data showed that functional groups such as C-H, O-H, C=O, and C-O-C which possibly associated with Pb²⁺ binding were mainly presented in the suspended solid portion of IC. Putting the above together, we postulated that the enhanced Pb²⁺ binding capacity the probiotic bacteria incubated in IC is due to the adherence of the yet to be identified particles which could much exist in suspended solid portion of IC containing negatively charged functional groups which bind with the positive Pb²⁺ ions.

Avian and Mammalian Facilitative Glucose Transporters

The GLUT members belong to a family of glucose transporter proteins that facilitate glucose transport across the cell membrane. The mammalian GLUT family consists of thirteen members (GLUTs 1-12 and H⁺-myo-inositol transporter (HMIT)). Humans have a recently duplicated GLUT member, GLUT14. Avians express the majority of GLUT members. The arrangement of multiple GLUTs across all somatic tissues signifies the important role of glucose across all organisms. Defects in glucose transport have been linked to metabolic disorders, insulin resistance and diabetes. Despite the essential importance of these transporters, our knowledge regarding GLUT members in avians is fragmented. It is clear that there are no chicken orthologs of mammalian GLUT4 and GLUT7. Our examination of GLUT members in the chicken revealed that some chicken GLUT members do not have corresponding orthologs in mammals. We review the information regarding GLUT orthologs and their function and expression in mammals and birds, with emphasis on chickens and humans.

Dietary supplementation of a mixture of Lactobacillus strains enhances performance of broiler chickens raised under heat stress conditions

High ambient temperature is a major problem in commercial broiler production in the humid tropics because high producing broiler birds consume more feed, have higher metabolic activity, and thus higher body heat production. To evaluate the effects of two previously isolated potential probiotic strains (Lactobacillus pentosus ITA23 and Lactobacillus acidophilus ITA44) on broilers growing under heat stress condition, a total of 192 chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups of 48 chickens each as follows: CL, birds fed with basal diet raised in 24 °C; PL, birds fed with basal diet plus 0.1 % probiotic mixture raised in 24 °C; CH, birds fed with basal diet raised in 35 °C; and PH, birds fed with basal diet plus 0.1 % probiotic mixture raised in 35 °C. The effects of probiotic mixture on the performance, expression of nutrient absorption genes of the small intestine, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and microbial population of cecal contents, antioxidant capacity of liver, and fatty acid composition of breast muscle were investigated. Results showed that probiotic positively affected the final body weight under both temperature conditions (PL and PH groups) compared to their respective control groups (CL and CH). Probiotic supplementation numerically improved the average daily gain (ADG) under lower temperature, but significantly improved ADG under the higher temperature (P < 0.05) by sustaining high feed intake. Under the lower temperature environment, supplementation of the two Lactobacillus strains significantly increased the expression of the four sugar transporter genes tested (GLUT2, GLUT5, SGLT1, and SGLT4) indicating probiotic enhances the absorption of this nutrient. Similar but less pronounced effect was also observed under higher temperature (35 °C) condition. In addition, the probiotic mixture improved bacterial population of the cecal contents, by increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing Escherichia coli population, which could be because of higher production of VFA in the cecum, especially at heat stress condition. The two Lactobacillus strains also improved the fatty acid profile of meat, including at heat stress. Generally, the two Lactobacillus strains can be considered as good potential probiotics for chickens due to their good probiotic properties and remarkable efficacy on broiler chickens.