Effect of diet supplemented with graded levels of garlic (Allium sativum L.) powder on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood hematology, and biochemistry of broilers

Dietary supplementation of microbiota inoculum and single clove garlic extract on growth performance, egg quality, reproductive organ, and hematological trait in laying quail

Background

Several alternative feed additives to replace AGP to maintain good quail performance include the use of probiotics and herbal extracts.

Aim

In this study, the researchers want to find out the best dosage of microbiota inoculum as probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus plantarum), single garlic extract (Allium Sativum L), and combination groups to improve laying quail egg production, hematology profile (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, and platelets), and reproductive organs in terms of length and weight and have better egg quality on the internal (Haugh units, yolk score, albumin index, yolk index) and external (shell thickness, egg weight) while laying phase of laying quail.

Methods

A total of 100 4-week-old laying quails of uniform body weight were randomly distributed into five treatments with four replicates each and five quails in each replicate. There were 5 treatment groups: T0 quails were given basal feed; T1 quails were given basal feed and drinking water added with probiotics at a dose of 4 ml/l; T2 quails were given feed added with a single garlic extract at a dose of 2 ml/g and ordinary drinking water; T3 quails were given feed with a single garlic extract at a dose of 2 ml/g and drinking water supplemented with probiotics at a dose of 4 ml/l; and T4 quails were given a single garlic extract at a dose of 1 ml/g and drinking water supplemented with probiotics at a dose of 2 ml/l. The study investigated the effects of microbiota inoculum, including probiotics, garlic extract, and a control group, on reproductive organ morphologies in chickens. Results showed significant improvements in weight vagina, uterus, oviduct, ovarium, weight cloaca, growth performance, body weight, egg production, internal egg quality, yolk color score, yolk index, albumin index, external egg quality, Haugh unit, egg height, shape index, egg cell weight, and egg cell thickness.

Results

The number of erythrocytes was significantly higher in the chickens treated with the microbiota inoculum compared to the control group. Hemoglobin levels were not significant in all treatments, but hematocrit levels were significant in the chickens treated with the microbiota inoculum. Leukocytes were also significantly higher in the chickens treated with the microbiota inoculum compared to the control group.

Conclusion

The use of a combination of microbiota inoculum in drinking water and garlic extract in feed has been proven to be effective in reducing feed consumption, maintaining hematology, increasing reproductive organs, and boosting the number of laying quail productions, thereby reducing feed conversion ratio.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): A Promising Source of Nutritional and Therapeutic Compounds

BACKGROUND

Taraxacum officinale, commonly referred to as dandelion, is a selfgrowing plant/ weed in various parts of India and the rest of the world (particularly the northern hemisphere). The plant's chemical composition, including sesquiterpene lactones, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, and many other compounds, contributes positively to the human body, promoting overall health.

AIM

This review aims to shed light on the therapeutic potential of dandelion by summarizing its nutritional benefits, phytochemical constituents, and effectiveness in addressing health conditions like diabetes, inflammation, and cancer. It also provides insights into the applications of this plant beyond the food industry to gain researchers' attention to unravel the unexplored aspects of this therapeutic plant. It will further help in laying specific considerations, which are required to be taken into account before the development of functional foods incorporated with dandelion. Scope and approach: Being rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and other phytoconstituents, dandelion is a natural remedy for various ailments. Whether consumed raw or cooked, the plant's inclusion in the diet poses potential therapeutic effects on conditions such as diabetes, inflammation, liver disease, and tumors. It also aids in immune system modulation and fights infections by targeting microbes at their root. Researchers have developed various value-added food products by incorporating different parts of dandelion.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the therapeutic potential of dandelion, emphasizing its effectiveness against various health conditions. Insights into dosage, toxicity, and diverse applications further underscore its role as a versatile and promising natural remedy.

Garlic (Allium sativum) and mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) powder: Investigation of performance, meat quality, serum profile lipid, and intestinal morphology in broilers

BACKGROUND

With the ban on the use of antibiotics in poultry nutrition, the opinion of nutritionists turned to their alternatives. Garlic and mushroom are the two important phytobiotic compounds in poultry nutrition.

OBJECTIVES

This experiment was done to investigate the effect of garlic powder (GP) and mushroom powder (MP) on the growth performance, meat quality, serum lipid profile, and intestinal morphology of broilers.

METHODS

Five hundred and seventy-six one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were assigned to eight treatments with six replications based on a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement of 4*2 with four levels of GP (0.00, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50%) and two levels of MP (0.00, 1.00%).

RESULTS

No significant effects of GP and MP on the performance were observed. With increasing levels of GP in the diets, the lightness and redness of breast meat decreased and increased, respectively (p < 0.05). The effect of increasing the amount of GP on the reduction of total cholesterol level was similar in the absence or presence of MP. With increasing levels of GP in the diets, the villus height (VH) and VH to crypt depth ratio (VH: CD) increased. The use of MP in the diets significantly increased VH and VH: CD (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The addition of GP and MP to the broilers' diets did not have any negative effect on the performance. These pharmaceutic herbs improved intestinal morphology. In addition, increasing the level of GP amended the meat color and reduced the level of serum cholesterol.

Effect of dietary supplementation of wild leek (Allium tricoccum) and garlic (Allium sativum) leaves on production, egg quality, serum lipid profile, intestinal morphology and nutrient digestibility of laying quails

In this study, the effects of adding dried wild leek and garlic leaves to the diet of laying quails on egg quality, production performance, intestinal histomorphology, nutrient digestibility, and serum biochemical traits were evaluated. 168- 30 weeks aged- laying quails were randomly arranged into 7 treatments (control group and three different levels (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) of wild leek or garlic leaves), 6 replicates, and 4 quails per pen. According to the study, the highest hen-day production was achieved by adding 0.5% garlic leaves, and the egg weight was higher with 1% garlic leaves and 0.5% wild leek compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, adding garlic leaves decreased the average daily feed intake and increased high-density lipoprotein concentration. However, adding both herbs did not influence yolk height, albumin height, shell thickness, and Haugh unit (P > 0.05). All supplemented treatments significantly increased the formerly Roche Yolk Color Fan (DSM) index compared to the control. Quails fed with 1% garlic leaves declined serum cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and uric acid. Moreover, three levels of garlic leaves decreased triglyceride concentration. Adding 0.5% and 1% garlic leaves to the diet could increase the jejunal, and ileal villus height-to-crypt depth ratio. Furthermore, 1% and 1.5% garlic leaves supplementation elevated organic matter, ash, and crude protein digestibility. In conclusion, supplementing 1% garlic leaves to the quail's diet could improve egg weight, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility, improving lipid profiles and reducing uric acid concentration in the serum. However, both plants were rich pigment sources, increasing the DSM index.

Effects of genotype and Phytolacca dodecandra (Endod) supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, blood profiles, and breast meat quality of chickens

In this study, we investigated the effects of genotype and Phytolacca dodecandra (Endod) supplementation on the growth, carcass traits, blood profiles, and breast meat quality of chickens. The study lasted for 18 weeks and involved 360 unsexed day-old chicks divided into nine groups with 40 chicks each, replicated four times with 10 chicks per replication. The genotypes studied were Naked-neck * Tetra H, Normal-feathered * Tetra H, crosses and Tetra H * Tetra H, while the diets included a standard commercial ration (C), Phytolacca dodecandra (Endod) at 1 g/kg (C+1), and Phytolacca dodecandra (Endod) at 2 g/kg (C+2). Results showed that both diet and genotype influenced growth performance indicators like final body weight, body weight change, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio, particularly during the grower and entire phases. When compared to the control diet, the Phytolacca dodecandra (Endod) chicks supplemented at 1 g/kg showed better performances. The genotypes also affected dressing percentage, breast, thigh, keel bone, and gizzard components, with higher values found in the Naked-neck by Tetra H cross. The supplemented chicken group exhibited an improvement in the dressing percentage and breast muscle in comparison to the control. Blood parameters were also significantly influenced (P < 0.01) by genotype, diet, and their interaction. Supplementation significantly (P < 0.01) increased protein levels while reducing the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Incorporating Phytolacca dodecandra (Endod) at a rate of 1 g/kg into the diet of chickens brought a significant improvement in the protein content, and a reduction in the fat content, of their breast muscles. In general, the study indicates that adding up to 2 g/kg of Phytolacca dodecandra (endod) to chicken feed enhances growth performance traits, carcass traits, blood profiles, and breast muscle protein levels, without any negative consequences.

Allicin Overcomes Doxorubicin Resistance of Breast Cancer Cells by Targeting the Nrf2 Pathway

Breast cancer (BC) is a lethal disorder that threatens the life safety of the majority of females globally, with rising morbidity and mortality year by year. Doxorubicin is a cytotoxic anthracycline antibiotic that is widely used as one of the first-line chemotherapy agents for patients with BC. However, the efficacy of doxorubicin in the clinic is largely limited by its serious side effects and acquired drug resistance. Allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate), as the major component and key active compound present in freshly crushed garlic, has shown potential effects in suppressing chemotherapy resistance in various cancers. Our research aimed to explore the relationship between allicin and doxorubicin resistance in BC. To generate doxorubicin-resistant BC cell lines (MCF-7/DOX and MDA-MB-231/DOX), doxorubicin-sensitive parental cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 were continuously exposed to stepwise increased concentrations of doxorubicin over a period of 6 months. CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and western blotting assays were performed to investigate the effects of allicin and/or doxorubicin treatment on the viability, proliferation and apoptosis and the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, phosphate AKT and AKT in doxorubicin-resistant BC cells. Our results showed that combined treatment of allicin with doxorubicin exhibited better effects on inhibiting the proliferation and enhancing the apoptosis of doxorubicin-resistant BC cells than treatment with allicin or doxorubicin alone. Mechanistically, allicin suppressed the levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and phosphate AKT in doxorubicin-resistant BC cells. Collectively, allicin improves the doxorubicin sensitivity of BC cells by inactivating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Effect of emulsifier on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, faecal microbiology and blood biochemistry of broiler chickens fed low-energy diets

BACKGROUND

This study hypothesizes that a natural multicomponent emulsifier (Lipidol) could improve production performance in broiler chickens by aiding lipid digestion and addressing digestive system limitations.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary emulsifier inclusion on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, faecal microbiology, blood biochemistry and liver enzyme activities of broiler chickens fed low-energy diets.

METHODS

The experiment involved 144 one-day-old male broiler chickens split into 4 treatments. Four diets were used: standard metabolizable energy (ME) as a control diet and three low-ME diets, reducing by 100 kcal/kg by adding 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/kg of exogenous emulsifier (Em).

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in body weight gain and feed intake. However, during the finisher period (25-42 days), supplementation emulsifier to low-ME diets notably improved feed efficiency. Although crude protein, organic matter and ash digestibility remained unaffected, dry matter (DM) digestibility significantly increased in broilers fed low-ME diets with emulsifier. Broilers receiving 0.5 g/kg of emulsifier showed the highest villus width and surface area values. Moreover, including 1.5 g/kg of emulsifier led to the highest villus height to crypt depth ratio. Faecal microbiota, blood biochemistry and liver enzyme activities showed no significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Emulsifier supplementation compensated for the energy reduction and enhanced performance, DM digestibility and some intestinal morphology parameters in broiler chickens fed low-ME diet. Using 0.5 g/kg of emulsifier per 100 kcal of ME reduction in broiler diets is suggested.

Impact of different forms of selenium supplementation on growth and physiological performance of New Zealand white rabbits

Forty-eight weaned male New Zealand White rabbits aged 6 weeks with an initial body weight of (709.67 ± 13 g) were randomly divided into six experimental groups (8 rabbits each) for 6-14 weeks of age experimental periods. The present study was planned to evaluate the effect of using different forms of Selenium element (inorganic, nanoparticles and organic) as dietary supplementation on productive performance of rabbits. Six experimental groups in completely randomized design were used. The first group (G1, control) was fed the basal diet to cover maintenance and production allowances. Rabbits in the other groups G2, G3, G4 and G5 were fed the basal diet supplemented with Nano- Se at 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05 mg/kg diet, respectively. The 6th group (G6) was fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.1 mg/kg diet of salinized yeast (Se-yeast) as organic form. The results indicated that the highest values of nitrogen free extract (NFE) and crude fiber (CF) digestibility, live body weight, daily weight gain, hot carcass weight and dressing percentage were observed with those supplemented with Nano-Se at all levels compared with other treatments. However, feed conversion, net revenue and economic efficiency values were improved with Nano-Se groups followed by organic Se group in comparisons with the control group. Conclusively, the Nano-Se in rabbit's diet has a positive effect in improving rabbit's performance and economic efficiency compared to the inorganic Selenium.

Content of amino acids and biogenic amines in stored meat as a result of a broiler diet supplemented with β-alanine and garlic extract

Poultry meat is a highly esteemed product among consumers. However, the emphasis on increasing body weight has led to a rise in the proportion of rapidly shrinking fibers, adversely affecting the quality and shelf life of poultry meat. With a growing awareness of dietetics among consumers, there is an increasing challenge to produce chicken meat that is not only free of antibiotics but also beneficial for dietary and health reasons. Biogenic amines (BA) can serve as indicators of meat freshness and quality. While they play vital roles in the body, excessive consumption of BA can have toxic and carcinogenic effects. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of supplementing feed with garlic extract and β-alanine (β-Ala) on the formation of BA and amino acid (AA) levels in the breast and leg muscles of chickens stored under aerobic chilling conditions. The muscles were obtained from chickens fed with garlic extract and β-Ala in quantities of 0.5 and 2% for each additive, as well as 0.5 and 2% of their combination. Analyses were conducted on d 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 of storage. β-Ala supplementation increased the proportion of this AA in breast (P < 0.01) and leg muscles (P < 0.01), along with a rise in the proportion of nonessential AA (NEAA; sum of aspartic, aspartic acid, glutamic, glutamic acid, serine, β-Ala, and proline) (P < 0.01). The levels of BA changed during storage in breast and leg muscles (P < 0.001). The applied diet significantly influenced the formation of putrescine (P = 0.030), phenylethylamine (P = 0.003), agmatine (P = 0.025), and total BA (P < 0.001) in breast muscles. On the 10 d of storage, the breast muscles exhibited the lowest BA index (BAI) in the group, with a diet supplemented with 0.5% garlic extract and 0.5% β-Ala (P < 0.05). The leg muscles showed a similar BA trend as the breast muscles. These supplements may be utilized in production to augment the protein content of chicken muscles and potentially decrease the BAI index during meat storage.

Effect of an Alliaceae Encapsulated Extract on Growth Performance, Gut Health, and Intestinal Microbiota in Broiler Chickens Challenged with Eimeria spp

This study analyzed the effects of an Alliaceae encapsulated extract (AE-e) on daily gain (ADG), feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), oocysts per gram of feces (OPG), intestinal lesion (LS), and microbiota composition in broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. A total of 4800 one day Cobb-500 were allotted into 10 treatment groups with 12 replicates of 40 birds in a 2 × 4 + 2 factorial arrangement. The first factor was non-challenged (NC) or challenged (C), the second was four levels of AE-e added in the basal diet, 0 (AE0), 250 (AE250), 500 (AE500), and 750 mg·kg-1 (AE750), plus two ionophore controls, non-challenged (NC-Ion) and challenged (C-Ion). No interactions were observed between factors (NC0, NC250, NC500, NC750, C0, C250, C500, and C750), while C-Ion improved FCR at 21 d. The challenge affected negatively ADG and FCR and promoted enteropathogens in cecum. AE750 improved FCR in the finisher and cumulative phases, while C-Ion had fewer total OPG than C0 and C250. Likewise, at 21d, C250, C500, and C-Ion had fewer LS than C0, while at 28 d, C750 showed lower than C-Ion. In the cecum microbiota, C500 had more Ruminococcus, Firmicutes b, and Intestinimonas than C-Ion. In summary, AE-e showed beneficial results in broilers infected with Eimeria spp.

Effects of dietary supplementation with microencapsulated Galla chinensis tannins on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism of young broiler chickens

This study aimed to investigate the impacts of dietary supplementation with Galla chinensis tannins (GCT) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism of young broilers. Overall, a total of 216 healthy 1 day-old broilers were randomly allocated to CON group and GCT group, and provided with a basal diet or a basal diet added with 300 mg/kg microencapsulated GCT, respectively, in a 21 days trial. Our findings indicated that dietary GCT addition had no significant effects (p > 0.05) on growth performance. However, GCT supplementation led to a significant reduction in the total cholesterol (TC) concentration in the serum and liver (p < 0.05). Furthermore, GCT supplementation significantly increased the ratios of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and HDL to TC in the serum, in addition to elevating the activities of enzymes related to lipid metabolism in the liver (p < 0.05). Dietary GCT addition also improved the antioxidant capacity of the broilers, as evidenced by a significant decrease in the concentration of malondialdehyde in serum and liver (p < 0.05). Additionally, the GCT group exhibited significantly increased expressions of hepatic genes associated with antioxidant enzymes (HO-1, GPX1, SOD2, SIRT1, CPT-1, and PPARα) (p < 0.05), while the mRNA expression of SREBP-1 was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) compared with the CON group. In conclusion, dietary addition of 300 mg/kg microencapsulated GCT improved the antioxidant status and lipid metabolism of broilers without affecting their growth performance.

Effect of Diet Supplemented with Different Levels of Moringa Powder on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, Hematological Parameters, Serum Lipids, and Economic Efficiency of Broiler Chickens

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementing broiler chickens' diet with graded levels of moringa powder on growth performance. A total of 192 one-day-old broiler chicks were individually weighed and randomly distributed into four dietary treatments. Each treatment comprised four replicates with 12 chicks in each. Moringa powder was added to their diet by 0.0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75%. The diet and water were offered ad libitum during the feeding trial, which lasted 42 days. One chicken was selected from each replicate at the end of the experiment to measure the carcass characteristics and meat quality, as well as the serum biochemical parameters of broilers. Regarding the overall growth performance, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio substantially improved (P<0.05) in broilers whose diet was supplemented with moringa powder, compared to the control group. Furthermore, the carcass yield considerably increased (P<0.05) in broilers whose diet was supplemented with 0.5% and 0.75% moringa powder, in comparison with the control group. In addition, birds fed with a diet supplemented with moringa powder showed a significant increase in their hemoglobin level (P<0.05). Moreover, the findings showed that a diet supplemented with moringa powder led to a significant decrease in the total cholesterol level, low-density lipoprotein, and the A/G ratio (P<0.05) but increased total protein and globulin levels (P<0.05), compared to the control group. In conclusion, the supplementation of 0.75% moringa powder in the diet as a growth promoter reduces the cost of production by improving growth performance and enhancing the health status of birds.