Effects of residual black wolfberry fruit on growth performance, rumen fermentation parameters, microflora and economic benefits of fattening sheep

Introduction

The residual black wolfberry fruit (RBWF) is rich in nutrients and contains a diverse range of active substances, which may offer a viable alternative to antibiotics. This experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of varying levels of RBWF on the growth performance and rumen microorganisms of fattening sheep, and to quantify its economic benefits.

Methods

In this experiment, 40 three-month-old and male Duolang sheep with an average weight of 29.85 kg, selected for their propensity to gain weight, were randomly assigned to one of four groups, with ten sheep in each group. To this end, each group was fed with a different proportion of RBWF (0%, 2%, 5%, 8%), and rumen fluid samples were collected to detect differences in fermentation parameters and microbial structure.

Results

The findings indicate that the dry matter intake, OM and NDF apparent digestibility of Duolang sheep in the H2 group were found to be significantly higher than those observed in the other groups (P < 0.05). The concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), including acetate, propionate, iso-butyrate, butyrate and iso-valerate, in rumen fluid demonstrated a linear increase with the supplementation of RBWF in the diet (P < 0.05). The dominant bacteria in the rumen of Duolang sheep were identified as Prevotella, Christensenellaceae R7 group, NK4A214 group, Ruminococcus, and Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group. Compared with the CK group, the relative abundance of Prevotella, NK4A214 group, unclassified Prevotellaceae and Lachnospiraceae NK3A20 group in the rumen of sheep in each experimental group increased to varying degrees. The gross profit of the H2 group was significantly higher than that of the other groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the supplementation of RBWF has been demonstrated to enhance the growth performance of Duolang sheep, optimise rumen fermentation parameters, and ultimately increase gross profit, of which 5 % is the best.

Effects of dietary Brassica rapa L. polysaccharide on growth performance, immune and antioxidant functions and intestinal flora of yellow-feathered quail

This study aimed to explore the impact of Brassica rapa L. polysaccharides (BRP) on the growth, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and cecal microbiota in yellow-feathered quails. A total of 250 one-day-old yellow-feathered quails, evenly divided by sex, were randomly assigned to five groups, with each group comprising ten replicates of five quails each. The control group (CON) received a basic diet, while the antibiotic control group (CTC) was fed a basic diet supplemented with chlortetracycline (0.05 g/kg). BRP was administered at concentrations of 0.25 g/kg (Low dose BRP, LBRP), 0.5 g/kg (Medium dose BRP, MBRP), and 1 g/kg (High dose BRP, HBRP). The duration of the experiment was 42 days. The results indicated that, compared to the CON group, the final body weight of quails in the MBRP group significantly increased (P < 0.05), and there was a significant difference in body weight between the LBRP group and the CTC group (P < 0.05). At 21 days of age, the average weights of the thymus and bursa of Fabricius in the MBRP group were significantly greater than those in the CON group (P < 0.05), with no significant difference observed when compared to the CTC group (P > 0.05); at 42 days of age, the average weight of the thymus in the MBRP group was significantly greater than that in the CON group (P < 0.05), with no significant difference observed compared to the CTC group (P > 0.05). At 21 days of age, the levels of IgA and IgG in the MBRP group were significantly elevated compared to the CON group (P < 0.05), with no significant difference noted compared to the CTC group (P > 0.05). Additionally, the MBRP group showed significant increases in CAT, T-SOD, and GSH-Px levels (P < 0.05) compared to the CON group; the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the level of IL-10 was significantly elevated (P < 0.05) compared to the CON group. Furthermore, 16 S rRNA sequencing revealed that BRP supplementation increased the populations of beneficial cecal bacteria such as Lactococcus, Weissella, Parabacteroides, and norank_f_Ruminococcaceae, and decreased the population of the harmful bacterium Campylobacter, indicating that BRP modulates the microbial community structure in the cecum of yellow-feathered quails. In summary, BRP enhanced the growth performance, serum immunoglobulin levels, antioxidant functions, and improved the intestinal microbiota in yellow-feathered quails.

Effects of herbal formula on growth performance, apparent digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and rumen microbiome in fattening lambs under heat stress

Heat stress (HS) causes severe economic losses in sheep industry worldwide. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of a herbal formula (HF) supplement on growth, digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and rumen microbes in fattening lambs under HS. The HF composed of four herbs was prepared based on the theory of compatibility of Chinese medicine "Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi". Two-hundred forty 3-month weaned lambs (initial weight 36.61 ± 0.73 kg) were randomly allocated into four groups, supplemented 0% (Control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% HF in diets. All lambs were exposed to HS conditions with 79.7 of average temperature-humidity index throughout an experimental period of 35 days. Growth performance, apparent digestibility, and antioxidant activities, involving antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins (HSPs), were measured at the end of trial, as well as microbial communities in bacteria and archaea. Results showed that 0.5% HF increased (P = 0.02) average daily gain by 13.80% and decreased feed-to-gain ratio (P = 0.03) by 14.68%, compared to control. With increasing HF doses, the digestibility of ether extract and acid detergent fiber demonstrated a cubical (P < 0.01) and quadratic (P = 0.03) relation, respectively; moreover, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities demonstrated a quadratic increase (P < 0.01). Serum levels of HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 for 0.5% HF were lower than that in control (P < 0.05). On the other hand, total volatile fatty acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid levels exhibited quadratic increases (P ≤ 0.01) with HF doses. From rumen microbes, the abundance and diversity of bacterial community were improved by HF supplements. Particularly for 0.5% HF group, the operational taxonomic units were the greatest among all groups. Compared to control, Prevotella abundance for HF supplements from 0.5 to 1.5% increased by 35.57 to 60.15%, and Succiniclasticum abundance demonstrated a quadratic pattern (P = 0.02) with doses. Additionally, Methanosphaera abundance in archaeal community raised by 0.2 to 3.3-folds when lambs were fed the HF additions of 0.5 to 1.5%. In summary, dietary HF supplements would contribute to alleviating HS in lambs, and our results suggest the optimal dose of 0.5% HF supplement in diet.

The effect of dietary supplementation of Lycium barbarum leaves on the growth performance, organ indexes and intestinal microflora of rats

This study was conducted to investigate both fruit and different levels of leaf supplementation on the growth performance, organ indices and intestinal microflora of rats. Twenty-five healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups. The rats in the control (NC) and positive control (PC) groups were fed by gavage a basal diet and a basal diet with 4 g/kg of L. barbarum fruit homogenate, respectively. The test (LD, MD, and HD) groups were fed basal diets with additional 2, 4, and 8 g/kg of L. barbarum leaf homogenate, respectively. The feeding period was 35 d. The result revealed that the rats in the LD group had the highest average weight gain (p < 0.05). The cardiac and renal indexes in the LD and MD groups were significantly higher than in NC group, respectively (p < 0.05). Diversity analysis revealed that adding low concentrations of L. barbarum leaf homogenates markedly reduced the Shannon index of the rats cecum (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Verrucomicrobiota was higher in the LD group than those in other groups (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Actinobacteriota was found significantly higher in PC group than others (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Akkermansia in LD group was the highest (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Romboutsia in the PC group was considerably higher than that in other groups. The relative abundance of Candidatus_Saccharimonas in the supplementation groups was appreciably lower than those found in other groups. The relative abundance of Alloprevotella was significantly lower in PC, LD, and MD groups than in NC and HD groups (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Oscillibacter was significantly higher in HD group than in other groups (p < 0.05). Thus, L. barbarum leaf homogenate fed to rats could increase their growth performance, internal organ weights and additionally enhance the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria. Therefore, based on the obtained data in the current study, a dose of L. barbarum leaf homogenate supplemented with 2 g/kg in diet is recommended, however, further studies are required to confirm, especially in animals.

Dietary Selenium Insufficiency Induces Cardiac Inflammatory Injury in Chicks

BACKGROUND

Laying hens undergo intensive metabolism and are vulnerable to cardiac insults. Previous research demonstrated overt heart disorders of broiler chickens induced by dietary Se deficiency.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to reveal effects and mechanism of dietary Se insufficiency on cardiac injuries of egg-type chicks in their early life.

METHODS

White Leghorn chicks (0-d-old, female) were fed a corn-soy, Se-insufficient basal diet (BD, 0.05 mg Se/kg; n = 11) or the BD supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg (as sodium selenite; n = 8) for 35 d. Cardiac tissues were collected at the end of study for histology and to determine its relationship with heart Se contents, selenoprotein expression profiles, antioxidant and inflammatory status, and the Toll-like receptor 4/extracellular signal-regulated kinases/p38 map kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (TLR4/ERK/P38/JNK) pathway.

RESULTS

Compared with those fed 0.35 mg Se/kg, chicks fed BD had significantly lower body weights and average daily gain, and 28% lower heart Se, and developed cardiac mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration, along with elevated (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of creatine kinase, aldolase, and interleukin-1 (IL-1). The BD decreased (P < 0.05) body weight and heart glutathione contents and expression of selenoproteins but increased (P < 0.05) heart concentrations of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species. These changes were associated with increased (P < 0.05) mRNA and/or protein concentrations of cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenase-12, cytokines (IL-1β), nuclear factor (NF) κB subunit, chemokines, and receptors (CCL20, CXCR1, and CXCLI2) and increased (P < 0.1) TLR4/ERK /P38/JNK in the heart of Se-insufficient chicks.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary Se insufficiency induces infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the heart of egg-type chicks. This cardiac injury was mediated by decreased functional expressions of selenoproteins, which resulted in apparent elevated oxidative stress and subsequent activations of the TLR4 pathway and NF κB.

Lycium barbarum (Wolfberry) Branches and Leaves Enhance the Growth Performance and Improve the Rumen Microbiota in Hu Sheep

The Lycium barbarum branches and leaves (LBL) are known to contain a range of active substances that have positive effects on animal immunity and antioxidation. This study aimed to examine how LBL impacts the growth and slaughter performance as well as rumen fermentation and microbiota in Hu sheep. A total of 50 male Hu sheep of indigenous origin, aged 3 months, were randomly divided into 5 groups of 10 sheep each. The groups were given different levels of LBL supplementation (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) to evaluate growth performance and nutrient apparent digestibility. Rumen fluid samples were collected for analysis of the fermentation parameters and rumen chyme was examined to study the rumen microbiota. The slaughter performance, meat quality, and organ index were evaluated at the conclusion of the experiment. The results showed that the final body weight and average daily gain of the LBL1 group were significantly higher than those of the CON group, LBL3 group, and LBL4 group (p < 0.05). The average dry matter intake of the LBL4 group was significantly lower than that of other experimental groups (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of CP in the LBL1 and LBL2 groups was higher than that in other experimental groups (p < 0.05). At the same time, the eye muscle area and grade-rule (GR) value of Hu sheep in the LBL1 group significantly increased and the quality of Hu sheep meat improved (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in organ weight and organ index between the experimental groups (p > 0.05). The pH of the rumen fluid in the LBL1 group was significantly lower than that in the CON group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the NH3-N content between the experimental groups (p > 0.05). The propionate and valerate in the rumen fluid of Hu sheep in the LBL2 group were significantly higher than those in other experimental groups (p < 0.05). In addition, this had no significant effect on the structure and abundance of the rumen microbiota (p > 0.05). LBL is a promising functional feed. Adding an appropriate amount of LBL to the diet can improve the feed efficiency, growth performance, and meat quality of Hu sheep but has no adverse effects on the rumen. In this experiment, the appropriate supplemental level of LBL in the diet was 3%.

Dietary supplementation with Lycium barbarum polysaccharides conducive to maintaining the health of Luciobarbus capito via the enhancement of enzyme activities and the modulation of gut microbiota

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is the main active component of Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum), which has important medicinal and nutritional value. However, the effect of LBP treatment on Luciobarbus capito (L. capito) still remains unknown. Given this, the current work aims to probe the underlying effect of different levels of LBP treatment (i.e. 0.10, 0.50 and 1.00 g/L) on L. capito in the context of enzymatic activity analysis, histological observations and gut microbiota analysis. Compared with control group, the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes, intestinal digestive enzymes and hepatic immune enzyme were found to be significantly increased after 0.10 g/L LBP and 0.50 g/L LBP treatment (P < 0.05). This result indicated that moderate levels of LBP treatment could dramatically enhance the immunity and antioxidant capacity of L. capito. Furthermore, the compositional structures of the gut microbiota in L. capito were found to be greatly shaped after LBP treatment, whereas the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiota were only found to be slightly changed (P > 0.05). No significant changes were screened in the morphologic structures of gut constructions. This work would provide theoretical and experimental basis for future application of LBP as supplement in the culture process of the farmed fish.

Herbal Plants Application in Organic Poultry Nutrition and Production

Background:

Medicinal plants and natural feed additives are the most important alternatives in animal production, especially broiler production, due to the ban on the use of certain antibiotics, their cost-effectiveness and harmful residual effects.

Objective:

In this mini-review article, some important medicinal herbs and plants with positive effects on organic broiler production have been highlighted.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted in Science Direct, Google, Google Scholar, Springer, Medline and PubMed.

Results:

Medicinal plants such as ginger, ginkgo, thyme, ponderosa pine, soybean, forsythia, peppermint, Chinese star anise, astragalus, mistletoe, schisandra, cumin, capsicum, garlic, hooker chives, artichoke, Borreria latifolia, zataria, pomegranate, turmeric, lingzhi, Lippia javanica, neem, oriental chaff flower, mulberry leaf, goji berry, Aloe vera, pumpkin, grape, common nettle, marigold, coriandrum, Citrus sinensis, Alisma canaliculatum, Persian hogweed, Eucommiaulmoides, bamboo leaf extract, rosemary, Morina citrifolia, chestnut, green tea, wild mint, clove, sumac, satureja, ashwagandha, Lonicera japonica, Acacia, liquorice, Artemisia annua, milk thistle, cinnamon, black cumin and etc. have positive effects on organic broiler production.

Conclusion:

Herbal medicines lead to increased body weight due to a higher feed intake and a higher feed conversion ratio, and improve antioxidant activity of broiler chickens based on their phenolic compound contents. The combination of medicinal herbal additives also has a positive impact on broiler production. In organic broiler production with the usage of herbal plants, reducing hormones, growth promoters and antibiotics should be organized as well as considering appropriate organic feed management and higher production.

Goji Berries Supplementation in the Diet of Rabbits and Other Livestock Animals: A Mini-Review of the Current Knowledge

In the last decades, several nutraceutical substances have received great attention for their potential role in the prevention and treatment of different diseases as well as for their beneficial effects in promoting the health of humans and animals. Goji berries (GBs) are the fruit of Lycium barbarum and other species of Lycium, used in traditional Chinese medicine, and they have recently become very popular in the Occidental world because of their properties, such as anti-aging, antioxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective, cytoprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. These effects are essentially evaluated in clinical trials in humans; in experimental animal models, such as mice and rats; and in cell lines in in vitro studies. Only recently has scientific research evaluated the effects of GBs diet supplementation in livestock animals, including rabbits. Although studies in the zootechnical field are still limited and the investigation of the GB mechanisms of action is in an early stage, the results are encouraging. This review includes a survey of the experimental trials that evaluated the effects of the GBs supplementation on reproductive and productive performances, immune system, metabolic homeostasis, and meat quality principally in the rabbit with also some references to other livestock animal species. Evidence supports the idea that GB supplementation could be used in rabbit breeding, although future studies should be conducted to establish the optimal dose to be administered and to assess the sustainability of the use of GBs in the diet of the rabbit.

Effects of dietary Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide on growth, serum biochemistry, immunity, and egg laying in quail

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GCP) on growth performance, serum biochemistry, immunity, and egg laying in female quail. 300 1-day-old female quail were sorted into four dietary treatments with five replicate cages of 15 birds each. The basic diet in the four treatment groups was supplemented with 0, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg GCP, and the experiment continued for 80 days. Results showed that dietary supplementation with GCP significantly (p < 0.05) increased average daily gain in a dose-dependent fashion, and decreased (p < 0.05) the feed-to-gain ratio and mortality. The relative weights of the thymus and bursa of Fabricius increased (p < 0.05) linearly with increasing dose of GCP from 0 to 1500 mg/kg on day 20. GCP birds showed higher serum levels of protein, glucose, immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M, but lower serum triglycerides (p < 0.05) on day 50. GCP increased (p < 0.05) average laying rate and average egg weight linearly from days 60 to 80, whereas feed to egg ratio was decreased (p < 0.05). Taken together, these results revealed that GCP could improve growth performance, serum biochemistry, immunity, and egg laying in female quail. Therefore, GCP may be a potential replacement for antibiotic growth promoters in poultry.

Response of Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry Indices, and Rumen Bacterial Diversity in Lambs to Diets Containing Supplemental Probiotics and Chinese Medicine Polysaccharides

This study aims to investigate the effects of probiotics and Chinese medicine polysaccharides (CMPs) on growth performance, blood indices, rumen fermentation, and bacteria composition in lambs. Forty female lambs were randomly divided into four groups as follows: control, probiotics, CMP, and compound (probiotics + CMP) groups. The results showed that probiotics treatment increased the concentrations of blood glucose (GLU) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) and enhanced rumen microbial protein contents but declined the value of pH in rumen fluid compared with the control (P < 0.05). Furthermore, supplementation with CMP enhanced the average daily gain (ADG) and the contents of IgA, IgG, and IgM in the serum but decreased the F:G ratio compared with the control (P < 0.05). Besides, both CMP and compound (probiotics + CMP) treatments decreased the ratio of acetic acid and propionic acid compared with the control (P < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing data showed that at the genus level, the relative abundance of Veillonellaceae_UCG-001 in the probiotics group was increased, the relative abundance of Succiniclasticum and norank_f__Muribaculaceae in the CMP group were enhanced, and the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-002 in the compound group was raised compared with the control (P < 0.05). In summary, supplementation with probiotics can promote rumen protein fermentation but decrease the diversity of bacteria in rumen fluid; however, CMP treatment increased the relative abundance of Fibrobacteria, changed rumen microbial fermentation mode, increased the immune function, and ultimately improved the growth performance.

Optimization of ultrasonic extraction of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides using response surface methodology

Ultrasonic extraction was a new development method to achieve high-efficiency extraction of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides instead of hot water extraction. In this paper, the single factor method combined with the box Behnken design of response surface method was used to study the influence of extraction time, extraction temperature, material liquid ratio and ultrasonic power on the extraction rate of L. barbarum polysaccharide. The results indicated that the best extraction rate of L. barbarum polysaccharide was 12.54 ± 0.12% under the conditions of 80 min for extraction time, 73 °C for extraction temperature, 1 g:38 mL for material to liquid ratio, and 185 W for ultrasonic power. Under the same operating conditions, the yield of L. barbarum polysaccharide using ultrasonic extraction was 83.3%, which was higher than that hot water extraction. Moreover, the extraction time of ultrasonic extraction was only 47% of that using hot water extraction. This suggested that there was great potentials of using ultrasonic extraction in the realization of high-efficiency extraction of L. barbarum polysaccharide. The results of this study could also provide a theoretical basis for the coupling of ultrasonic extraction and ultrasonic concentration process to develop the integrated equipment of both ultrasonic extraction and ultrasonic concentration.

Folic acid perfusion administration reduced abdominal fat deposition in starter Arbor Acres broilers

With intensive selection for meat production in broilers, excessive fat accumulation is also accompanied and causes economic concerns. Folic acid was reported to be involved in lipid metabolism. The present study was conducted to investigate the role of folic acid in reducing abdominal fat deposition. A total of 105 one-day-old healthy Arbor Acres broilers were randomly distributed into 3 treatments, including the control (Con), saline-perfusion group (NS), and folic acid perfusion group (FA). The growth performance, biochemical characteristics in serum, and lipid metabolism in the liver and abdominal fat tissues were evaluated. Results have shown that folic acid significantly reduced abdominal fat percentage (P < 0.05) and had no effects on BW, ADFI, ADG, and FCR (P > 0.05). Serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were lower in FA group but albumin concentration was higher (P < 0.05). Hepatic ACC, SCD, ELOVL6, PI3K, LDLR, HMGCR, and ABCA1 mRNA abundance were all down-regulated in FA group (P < 0.05) when compared with the Con and NS groups, while CPT1 and PPARα were not affected. In addition, MTTP mRNA abundance was higher in the liver of birds subjected to folic acid (P < 0.05). There was no difference about TG deposition in the liver among all groups based on hematoxylin−eosin (HE) and Oil Red O staining. On the other hand, ELOVL6, PPARγ, IGF1, and TGFβ2 expression were notably decreased in the abdominal fat in FA group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our data demonstrated that folic acid has reduced abdominal fat percentage by decreasing hepatic lipogenesis and suppressing adipocytes proliferation and differentiation. And the inhibiting effect of adipocytes might be mediated by IGF1 and TGFβ2 down-regulation.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis and antibiotic growth promoters on the growth performance, intestinal function and gut microbiota of pullets from 0 to 6 weeks

The development of digestive organs and the establishment of gut microbiota in pullets play an important role throughout life. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Bacillus subtilis (BS) on growth performance, intestinal function and gut microbiota in pullets from 0 to 6 weeks of age. Hy-line Brown laying hens (1-day-old, n = 504) were randomly allotted into four diets with a 2 × 2 factorial design: (1) basal diet group (control); (2) antibiotics group (AGP), the basal diet supplemented with 20 mg/kg Bacitracin Zinc and 4 mg/kg Colistin Sulphate; (3) BS group, the basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg BS and (4) mixed group, the basal diet supplemented with both AGP and BS. As a result, when BS was considered the main effect, BS addition (1) reduced the feed conversion ratio at 4 to 6 weeks (P < 0.05); (2) decreased duodenal and jejunal crypt depth at 3 weeks; (3) increased the villus height : crypt depth (V : C) ratio in the duodenum at 3 weeks and jejunal villus height at 6 weeks and (4) increased sucrase mRNA expression in the duodenum at 3 weeks as well as the jejunum at 6 weeks, and jejunal maltase and aminopeptidase expression at 3 weeks. When AGP was considered the main effect, AGP supplementation (1) increased the V : C ratio in the ileum at 3 weeks of age; (2) increased sucrase mRNA expression in the duodenum at 3 weeks as well as the ileum at 6 weeks, and increased maltase expression in the ileum. The BS × AGP interaction was observed to affect average daily feed intake at 4 to 6 weeks, and duodenal sucrase and jejunal maltase expression at 3 weeks. Furthermore, dietary BS or AGP addition improved caecal microbial diversity at 3 weeks, and a BS × AGP interaction was observed (P < 0.05) for the Shannon and Simpson indexes. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was found to be higher in the mixed group at 3 weeks and in the BS group at 6 weeks. Moreover, Anaerostipes, Dehalobacterium and Oscillospira were also found to be dominant genera in pullets with dietary BS addition. In conclusion, BS could improve intestinal morphology and change digestive enzyme relative expression and caecum microbiota, thereby increasing the efficiency of nutrient utilization. Our findings suggested that BS might have more beneficial effects than AGP in the study, which would provide theoretical evidence and new insight into BS application in layer pullets.

Developmental changes in hepatic lipid metabolism of chicks during the embryonic periods and the first week of posthatch

The liver is the main site of de novo lipogenesis in poultry, and hepatic lipid metabolism disorder will lead to excessive abdominal fat deposition or fatty liver disease, finally causing huge economic loss. The present study was conducted to investigate developmental changes in hepatic lipid metabolism of chicks from embryonic periods to the first week after hatching. Liver samples were collected from embryonic day 11 (E11) to the age of day 7 posthatch (D7) for lipid metabolism analysis. Hematoxylin–eosin and Oil Red O staining analysis showed that hepatic lipids increased gradually during embryonic period and declined posthatch; The sum of hepatic triglycerides and cholesterol reached the peak at E19 and D1 by ELISA analysis (P < 0.05). Acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and acyl-CoA desaturase 1 mRNA expression in the liver were higher from E17 to D1 with the peak at E19 when compared with those at E13 and E15 (P < 0.05). Hepatic elongase of very long-chain fatty acids 6 and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein mRNA abundance were lower during embryonic periods but reached relative higher level after hatching (P < 0.05). On the contrary, hepatic carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, and peroxisome proliferators–activated receptor α expression were higher during embryonic periods but decreased posthatch (P < 0.05). The mRNA abundance of sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1c was the lowest at E13 and E15, then increased gradually from E17 to D1, while decreased from D3 to D7 little by little (P < 0.05). In summary, hepatic lipogenesis genes have different expression patterns during the embryonic periods and the first week of posthatch, which might be activated by ChREBP during embryonic periods; fatty acid oxidation was enhanced around the hatched day but declined posthatch. These findings will broaden the understanding of physiological characteristics and dynamic pattern about hepatic lipid metabolism in chicks.

Modulating effects of polysaccharides from the fruits of Lycium barbarum on the immune response and gut microbiota in cyclophosphamide-treated mice

In the present study, the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPS) on immunoregulation and gut microbiota dysbiosis in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced mice were investigated to elucidate whether the attenuation of immunosuppression is related to the modulation of the gut microbiota. The results showed that administration of LBPS could protect immune organs (enhancing immune organ indexes and alleviating immune organ damage), enhance the production of immune-related cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ) and prevent the hepatotoxicity in CTX-induced mice. Additionally, LBPS treatment could promote the production of short-chain fatty acids and modulate the composition of the gut microbiota, increasing the relative abundances of Bacteroidaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Prevotellaceae and Verrucomicrobiaceae, which were positively associated with immune traits. The present results indicated that LBPS might regulate the immune response depending on the modulation of the gut microbiota, suggesting that LBPS could be developed as special ingredients for immunoregulation in association with the modulation of the gut microbiota.

Extraction, Structural Characterization, and Biological Functions of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides: A Review

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), as bioactive compounds extracted from L. barbarum L. fruit, have been widely explored for their potential health properties. The extraction and structural characterization methods of LBPs were reviewed to accurately understand the extraction method and structural and biological functions of LBPs. An overview of the biological functions of LBPs, such as antioxidant function, antitumor activity, neuroprotective effects, immune regulating function, and other functions, were summarized. This review provides an overview of LBPs and a theoretical basis for further studying and extending the applications of LBPs in the fields of medicine and food.

Lycium europaeum Linn as a source of polysaccharide with in vitro antioxidant activities and in vivo anti-inflammatory and hepato-nephroprotective potentials

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lycium europaeum Linn. is widely used to treat the burning of the skin and well-known as a medicinal plant having various biological activities.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the present study is to characterize the polysaccharide from L. europaeum L. leaves (LEP) and to explore its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepato-nephroprotective properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The structural and functional characteristics of LEP were investigated using X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and FT-IR Spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Hepato-renal effects were studied using CCl₄ and cisplatin-induced liver and kidney injuries in mice, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed on carrageenan-induced paw edema.

RESULTS

The LEP showed an interesting water-holding capacity and effective foaming and emulsifying properties. XRD analysis suggested that LEP form a semi-crystalline polymer with an amorphous structure. FT-IR profile showed the presence of pyranose ring in LEP. SEM and helix-coil transition analyses indicated that LEP had a lamellar structure with angular edges and didn't present a triple helical conformation in solution. In vitro, LEP indicated significant concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. In vivo, LEP treatment significantly reduced the effects of CCl₄ intoxication on serum liver biomarkers (AST, ALT, LDH, and GGT) and the effect of cisplatin on serum renal biomarkers (urea, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid). Meanwhile, LEP diminishes significantly the effect of CCl₄ and cisplatin on the level of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues, respectively. Additionally, the normal histological structure of liver and kidney was restored after treatment with the polysaccharide. LEP possessed a significant anti-inflammatory activity on acute inflammation induced by carrageenan in mice.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the findings of this study support the traditional use of L. europaeum L. This plant may also be used as a good agent for protection against inflammatory diseases and hepato-renal injuries in patients with cancer.