Effect of zinc-bearing zeolite clinoptilolite on growth performance, zinc accumulation, and gene expression of zinc transporters in broilers

A meta-analysis of the effects of clay mineral supplementation on alkaline phosphatase, broiler health, and performance

The crucial constraint in the broiler production sector is feed efficiency; many feed additives have been widely employed to increase broiler growth. Nonetheless, some of these substances exacerbate health and animal-based food product safety concerns. This meta-analysis examines the effect of clay minerals on alkaline phosphatase (ALP), broiler health, and performance. Metadata was constructed from 369 data items that were harvested from 86 studies. The addition of clay minerals was set as a fixed effect and the difference between experiments was established as a random effect. The metadata were fitted using a linear mixed model. Due to the presence of clay minerals, growth performance as assessed by body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and performance efficiency index (PEI) increased significantly (P < 0.01). In the total period, the increases of BW, ADG, and PEI were 4.12 g, 0.0714 g/d, and 0.648, respectively, per unit of clay minerals added. Clay minerals did not affect blood serum parameters (e.g., ALP and calcium). The IgA and IgM concentrations in the jejunum and ileum were significantly greater (P < 0.01) in the starter phase. Among clay minerals, broilers fed diets with aluminosilicate, halloysite, kaolin, and zeolite consistently exhibited higher (P < 0.05) BW, ADG, PEI, and lower feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05) in the finisher phase. Aluminosilicate was the only clay that increased (P < 0.05) secretory IgA concentration in both jejunum and ileum. In conclusion, clay minerals could be used as a growth promoter, especially during the finisher phase, without adversely affecting feed intake, liver function, and mineral metabolism in broiler chickens. Aluminosilicate was superior in improving the mucosal immunity status of broiler chickens.

Effects of dietary supplementation with different levels of palygorskite-based composite on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of palygorskite-based composite (PBC) on growth performance, antioxidant status, and meat quality of broilers. A total of 320 one-day-old mixed-sex Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated to 1 of 5 groups with 8 replicates of 8 birds each, and given a basal diet supplemented with 0, 250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg PBC for a 42-day trial, respectively. PBC quadratically increased feed efficiency during the late and overall experimental periods (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, 1,000 mg/kg PBC increased feed efficiency during the overall period (P < 0.05). PBC linearly increased serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity at 21 d and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity at both 21 d and 42 d (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, PBC supplementation, regardless of its level, increased 21-day serum SOD activity (P < 0.05). The 21-day serum GSH-Px activity was increased by PBC when its level exceeded 250 mg/kg (P < 0.05). PBC linearly increased 42-day total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activity, but linearly decreased 42-day malondialdehyde level in liver (P < 0.05). An addition of PBC, irrespective of its level, increased 42-day hepatic T-AOC activity (P < 0.05). PBC quadratically increased 45-min yellowness value and linearly increased 24-h pH value, but quadratically decreased 24-h lightness value and linearly and quadratically reduced 24-h drip loss in breast muscle (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the 24-h drip loss of breast muscle was decreased by PBC, regardless of its dosage (P < 0.05). An addition of PBC linearly increased 42-day T-AOC and T-SOD activities of breast muscle (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, muscle T-SOD activity was increased by PBC, regardless of its administration level (P < 0.05). These results suggested that PBC could improve growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of broilers, and its recommended dosage is 1,000 mg/kg.

Improved Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status, Digestive Enzymes, Nutrient Digestibility and Zinc Bioavailability of Broiler Chickens with Nano-Sized Hot-Melt Extruded Zinc Sulfate

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of the supplementation of hot-melt extrusion (HME) processed zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) on the growth performance, antioxidative activity, pancreatic digestive enzyme, small intestinal morphology, nutrient digestibility, and Zn content in broilers. The chicks were allocated to three treatments, each of which had five replicates of 15 chicks per replicate. The broiler chickens were assigned to three dietary treatments: the control (without supplemental Zn), IN-Zn (ZnSO₄, 80 mg/kg), and HME-Zn (HME processed ZnSO₄ as nano-Zn, 80 mg/kg). The broilers fed diets supplemented with 80 mg/kg of HME-Zn improved the BWG (P < 0.05) and FCR (P < 0.05) compared to the broilers fed the control and IN-Zn diets in phase 2. The Zn supplementation significantly enhanced the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the serum (P < 0.05) and liver (P < 0.05), and HME-Zn supplementation significantly increased the SOD in the liver compared to the IN-Zn supplementation. Reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was seen with the Zn supplementation compared to the control (P < 0.05). The chickens fed diets supplemented with the HME-Zn had higher activity of amylase (P < 0.05) and trypsin (P < 0.05) than those of the chickens fed the control and IN-Zn diets. The villus height (VH) in the duodenum (P < 0.05) and jejunum (P < 0.05) increased with the ZnSO₄ and HME-Zn supplementation compared to the control. The VH and crypt depth rate (VH:CD) in the jejunum improved with the HME-Zn compared to the control (P < 0.05). The HME-Zn significantly increased the apparent ileal digestible crude protein (CP) (P < 0.05) and energy corrected by nitrogen (AIDEn) (P < 0.05) compared to the control or IN-Zn. In phases 1 and 2, the HME-Zn significantly increased Zn concentration in the liver and tibia compared to control and IN-Zn (P < 0.05). The excretion of Zn was significantly decreased in the HME-Zn compared to the IN-Zn (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of 80 mg/kg of HME-Zn in diets improved the growth performance, antioxidative activity, pancreatic enzyme activity, intestinal villus height, and nutrient digestibility with the improved Zn bioavailability in broilers.

High levels of copper and zinc supplementation in broiler diets on growth performance, carcase traits and apparent ileal mineral absorption

1. This study investigated the effects of hydroxy trace minerals (HTM) compared to sulphate trace minerals (STM) supplementation on growth performance, carcase parameters and mineral retention in broilers.2. A total of 1792 male Cobb 500 d-old were allocated in a completely randomised trial design to one of eight dietary treatments with eight replicates per treatment. The HTM sources used were two levels of Cu hydroxychloride (CHC) (low and high), combined with three levels of Zn hydroxychloride (ZHC) (low, med and high) and two additional treatments STM; Cu sulphate monohydrate (CSM) (low and high) combined with high Zn sulphate monohydrate (ZSM). At 21 and 42 d-old growth performance was evaluated. Additionally, at 42 d-old the carcase traits, meat quality, apparent ileal absorption and activity of antioxidant enzymes were accessed.3. A data showed that broilers receiving high-CHC had higher body weight, weight gain and better feed conversion ratio as compared to low-CHC at 21 d-old. On day 42, the feed conversion ratio was improved for birds supplemented with high-CHC in diets containing med-ZHC, as compared to low-CHC.4. Dietary Cu increased the redness of breast colour at the level of high-CHC compared to low-CHC. Greater results were observed on carcase traits for the med-ZHC group as compared to low- or high-ZHC. The ceruloplasmin activity in serum increased in the high-CSM diets containing high-ZSM as compared to low-CSM. The AIA of Cu was higher in broilers supplemented with high-CHC containing med-ZHC as compared to low-CHC. Otherwise, the AIA of Zn increased in broilers fed low-CHC containing low- or med-ZHC as compared to high-CHC.5. The trial showed that mineral trace supplementation of broilers diets with high-CHC (150 mg/kg) and low-ZHC (80 mg/kg) was a good alternative to replace sulphate mineral sources in diets.

Sustainable Antibiotic-Free Broiler Meat Production: Current Trends, Challenges, and Possibilities in a Developing Country Perspective

Simple Summary

Chickens are raised with the assistance of the regular use of antibiotics, not only for the prevention and treatment of diseases but, also, for body growth. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in animals are contributing to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, antibiotic-free broiler meat production is becoming increasingly popular worldwide to meet consumer demand. However, numerous challenges need to be overcome in producing antibiotic-free broiler meat by adopting suitable strategies regarding food safety and chicken welfare issues. This review focuses on the current scenario of antibiotic use, prospects, and challenges in sustainable antibiotic-free broiler meat production. We also discuss the needs and challenges of antibiotic alternatives and provide a future perspective on antibiotic-free broiler meat production.

Abstract

Antibiotic-free broiler meat production is becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to consumer perception that it is superior to conventional broiler meat. Globally, broiler farming impacts the income generation of low-income households, helping to alleviate poverty and secure food in the countryside and in semi-municipal societies. For decades, antibiotics have been utilized in the poultry industry to prevent and treat diseases and promote growth. This practice contributes to the development of drug-resistant bacteria in livestock, including poultry, and humans through the food chain, posing a global public health threat. Additionally, consumer demand for antibiotic-free broiler meat is increasing. However, there are many challenges that need to be overcome by adopting suitable strategies to produce antibiotic-free broiler meat with regards to food safety and chicken welfare issues. Herein, we focus on the importance and current scenario of antibiotic use, prospects, and challenges in the production of sustainable antibiotic-free broiler meat, emphasizing broiler farming in the context of Bangladesh. Moreover, we also discuss the need for and challenges of antibiotic alternatives and provide a future outlook for antibiotic-free broiler meat production.

Effects of Dietary Zinc on Performance, Zinc Transporters Expression, and Immune Response of Aged Laying Hens

This study was to investigate the effects of dietary zinc (Zn) supplementation on performance, zinc transporter gene expression, and immune function in aged laying hens. In experiment 1, twenty 31-week-old hens (young) and twenty 60-week-old hens (old) with the same genetic background were fed with the same diet for 4 weeks. In experiment 2, a basal diet supplemented with zinc sulfate (ZnS) and zinc glycine chelate (ZnG) at 30, 60, 90, and 120 mg Zn/kg to constitute nine experimental diets. Eight hundred and ten 60-week-old layers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with 9 treatments, 6 replicates of 15 birds each, and birds were fed for 10 weeks. In experiment 1, results showed that zinc and metallothionein (MT) concentration in the shell gland of old hens was significantly lower than young layers (P < 0.05). Zinc transporters ZnT1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance in old layers were significantly lower versus the young (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, results indicated that dietary zinc supplementation did not significantly affect the laying rate, average feed intake, egg weight, feed conversion efficiency, broken egg rate, or mortality (P > 0.05). Supplemental ZnG significantly improved eggshell breaking strength than ZnS, with a higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and more abundant ZnT4 expression in shell gland versus ZnS (P < 0.05). ZnG supplementation at 90 mg Zn/kg affected the duodenal mucus by significantly increasing ZnT1, 6, 7, ZIP13, and MT-4 mRNA level (P < 0.05). Zinc level significantly increased bovine serum albumin (BSA) antibody concentration on 14 day after BSA injection (P < 0.05). Supplementation of ZnG improved eggshell quality of aged layers by upgrading zinc transporter expression in the shell gland and intestine also enhanced humoral immunity.

Effect of dietary zinc pectin oligosaccharides chelate on growth performance, enzyme activities, Zn accumulation, metallothionein concentration, and gene expression of Zn transporters in broiler chickens1

This study was to investigate the effect of zinc pectin oligosaccharides chelate (Zn-POS) on growth performance, serum enzyme activities, tissue zinc accumulation, metallothionein (MT) concentrations, and gene expression of zinc transporters (ZnT) in broilers. Five hundred forty 1-d-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 5 dietary groups with 6 replicates of 18 birds per replicate. The diets were formulated with the same supplemental Zn level (80 mg/kg diet) but different amount of the Zn-POS: 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg Zn-POS/kg diet. ZnSO4 was used to adjust to the desired amount of the Zn (80 mg/kg) in the Zn-POS diets. Broilers were fed with the experimental diets for 42 d including the starter (days 1 to 21) and grower (days 22 to 42) phases. Our results showed that dietary supplementation of Zn-POS linearly and quadratically increased (P < 0.05) the average daily gain and gain-to-feed ratio during 22 to 42 d and 1 to 42 d as well as body weight on day 42, whereas reduced (P < 0.05) the sum of mortality and lag abnormalities in broilers on day 42. Besides, serum alkaline phosphatase and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase activities increased (P < 0.05) linearly and quadratically in response to dietary Zn-POS supplemental level on day 42. Dietary Zn-POS supplementation increased Zn accumulation in serum (linear, P < 0.05), liver (linear, P < 0.05), and pancreas (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05). In addition, Zn-POS supplementation linearly and quadratically increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively) MT concentrations in liver and pancreas of broilers. Pancreatic mRNA levels of MT, ZnT-1, and ZnT-2 increased (P < 0.05) linearly and quadratically, and the mRNA expression of metal response element-binding transcription factor-1 increased linearly (P < 0.05), in response to dietary Zn-POS supplementation. In conclusion, supplementation of Zn-POS in the diet increases Zn enrichment in the metabolic organs such as liver and pancreas and promotes productive performance in broilers.

Effect of Zinc Sulfate and Zinc Glycine Chelate on Concentrations of Acute Phase Proteins in Chicken Serum and Liver Tissue

The aim of the study was to determine how inorganic and organic forms of zinc affect the concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (α-1-AGP), haptoglobin (Hp), and transferrin (TRF) in the blood and liver tissue of 450 1-day-old Ross 308 chicken. Four experimental groups received one the following: inorganic zinc (ZnSO4), a zinc phytase enzyme supplement (ZnSO4-F), organic zinc in combination with glycine (Zn-Gly), or organic zinc supplemented with phytase (Zn-Gly-F). The chicken serum and liver homogenates were assayed using an ELISA kit. The results of the study showed statistically significantly higher serum and liver concentration of SAA in the group of birds that received zinc sulfate in comparison to the group of birds receiving zinc in organic form. A statistically significantly higher serum concentration of CRP and α-1-AGP was also noted in the group receiving zinc sulfate as compared to the Zn-Gly group. Comparison of the serum concentration of TRF between the supplemented groups showed a statistically significant increase in this parameter in the Zn-Gly-F group as compared to the ZSO4-F group. The increase in the serum concentration of Hp in all groups in comparison to the control may indicate stimulation of local immune mechanisms. The results of this study showed an increase in the concentrations of APPs such as AGP and TRF following the administration of zinc glycine chelates, which may demonstrate their effect on metabolic processes in the liver and on immunocompetent cells that regulate the intensity of the immune response.

Effects of dietary lipid-coated zinc on the antioxidant defense system in the small intestine and liver of piglets

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of lipid-coated ZnO (LCZ) and the level of LCZ compared with ordinary zinc oxide (ZnO) on antioxidant defense system in the intestine and liver of piglets. A total of forty piglets (n=8) were fed a diet supplemented with 100 ppm Zn with ZnO (ZnO-1), 2,500 ppm Zn with ZnO (ZnO-2), 100 ppm Zn as LCZ (LCZ-1), 200 ppm Zn as LCZ (LCZ-2), or 400 ppm Zn as LCZ (LCZ-3) for 14-d, respectively. The LCZ-3 group resulted in higher (P<0.05) mRNA expressions and activities of CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in jejunal mucosa compared with the ZnO-1 and LCZ-1 groups, while no difference was observed in the mRNA level of antioxidant genes between the ZnO-1 and ZnO-2 groups. Within the LCZ groups, the LCZ level linearly and quadratically (P<0.01) increased antioxidant enzymes in the jejunum. The maximum response of jejunal antioxidant enzymes to Zn supplementation was achieved by 400 ppm of LCZ. Hepatic mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes was unaffected by Zn source and level, while hepatic SOD and GST activities were greater (P<0.05) in the LCZ-3 group than in the ZnO-1 group. No difference was observed in lipid peroxidation of the jejunum and liver and the total antioxidant power of plasma among groups. In conclusion, a supplementation with 400 ppm of LCZ resulted in a maximum increase in antioxidant enzymes, indicating that LCZ may affect antioxidant defense system more profoundly than ZnO.

Applications of zeolites in biotechnology and medicine – a review

Zeolites are microporous natural or synthetic tectosilicates, promising for organism detoxification, improvement of the nutrition status and immunity, separation of various biomolecules and cells, detection of biomarkers of various diseases, controlled drug and gene delivery, radical scavenging, haemostasis, tissue engineering and biomaterial coating.

Effects of zinc bearing palygorskite supplementation on the growth performance, hepatic mineral content, and antioxidant status of broilers at early age

Objective

This study was conducted to investigate effects of zinc (Zn) bearing palygorskite (ZnPal) supplementation on growth performance, hepatic mineral content, and antioxidant status of broilers at early age.

Methods

A total of 240 1-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were allocated into 5 treatments with 6 replicates of 8 chicks each. Birds in 5 treatments were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (Control group; Analyzed Zn content: 81 mg/kg), 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg Zn as ZnPal for 21 days, respectively. Blood, liver and intestinal mucosa were collected at 21 days of age.

Results

Treatments did not affect growth performance of broilers during the 21-day study (p> 0.05). The contents of hepatic Zn and magnesium (Mg) were linearly increased (p<0.001) by ZnPal supplementation. ZnPal inclusion linearly (p = 0.007) reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in serum. The activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in liver increased linearly (p = 0.001) with concentration of ZnPal in diet. ZnPal inclusion linearly (p = 0.036) and quadratically (p = 0.005) increased T-SOD activity, and linearly (p = 0.012) increased copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) activity in jejunal mucosa. The maximum responses of hepatic and jejunal antioxidant enzymes activities (T-SOD and Cu/Zn SOD) were found when supplementing the basal diet with 60 mg/kg Zn as ZnPal. Furthermore, ZnPal supplementation quadratically (p = 0.001) increased Cu/Zn SOD activity in ileal mucosa, and its maximum activity was observed in the diet supplemented with 20 mg/kg Zn as ZnPal.

Conclusion

ZnPal supplementation did not alter growth performance of broilers. Dietary ZnPal inclusion could increase concentrations of hepatic trace minerals (Zn and Mg) and inhibit lipid peroxidation by reducing serum MDA accumulation, with the optimal dosage of Zn from ZnPal being 80 mg/kg diet (analyzed Zn content in the diet: 165 mg/kg), and 60 mg/kg Zn as ZnPal (analyzed Zn content in the diet: 148 mg/kg) was the optimum dosage for broilers to achieve maximum antioxidant enzyme activities.

Effects of Dietary Zinc Bearing Palygorskite Supplementation on the Carcass Traits, Chemical Composition of Muscle, and Muscular Lead and Chromium Contents of Broilers

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of zinc (Zn) bearing palygorskite (ZnPal) inclusion on the carcass traits, chemical composition of muscle, and muscular lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) contents of broilers. A total of 240 1-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly divided into 5 dietary treatments with 6 replicates of 8 chicks each. Broilers in the 5 treatments were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (Control group), 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg Zn in the form of ZnPal for 42 days, respectively. There were no differences in the carcass yield, abdominal fat yield, subcutaneous fat thickness, and intramuscular fat width among treatments (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the eviscerated yield (P=0.010) and thigh muscle yield (P=0.046) were quadratically increased by the supplementation of ZnPal (P<0.05). Similarly, the breast muscle yield was linearly (P=0.024) and quadratically (P=0.011) increased by ZnPal inclusion. The addition of ZnPal to diets of broilers also linearly (P=0.002) increased fat content in the thigh. Moreover, the supplementation of ZnPal linearly and quadratically reduced the content of muscular Pb and the content of Cr in the thigh muscle (P<0.05). It was concluded that ZnPal inclusion could improve carcass traits, increase fat content in the thigh, and reduce the accumulations of Pb and Cr in the muscles, and this effect was more pronounced when extra Zn dosage in the form of ZnPal was 40 mg/kg.

Effects of Palygorskite Inclusion on the Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Antioxidant Ability, and Mineral Element Content of Broilers

The present study was conducted to investigate different levels of palygorskite supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, muscular oxidative status, and mineral element accumulation of broilers. One hundred ninety-two 1-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were allocated to four dietary treatments with six replicates of eight chicks per replicate. Birds in the four treatments were given a basal diet supplemented with 0, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg palygorskite for 42 days, respectively. Compared with the control group, neither 5 g/kg nor 10 g/kg palygorskite inclusion affected growth performance of broilers during the 42-day study (P > 0.05). However, the highest level of palygorskite supplementation at 20 g/kg increased feed/gain ratio (F/G) of broilers (P < 0.001). Yellowness (P < 0.001) and redness (P = 0.003) of breast muscle and yellowness of leg muscle (P = 0.001) were decreased by palygorskite supplementation at the levels of 10 g/kg and especially 20 g/kg. In addition, redness of leg muscle was also reduced by the inclusion of 20 g/kg palygorskite (P = 0.009). In contrast, malonaldehyde (MDA) accumulation in the breast muscle was significantly increased by 20 g/kg palygorskite supplementation (P < 0.001). Supplementation of palygorskite at either 10 or 20 g/kg significantly decreased lead (Pb) accumulation in the breast (P = 0.001) or thigh (P = 0.045) and copper (Cu) accumulation in the breast (P = 0.022). In conclusion, growth performance, meat color, and antioxidant capacity of meat would reduce with the increasing level of palygorskite supplementation, whereas a higher level of palygorskite (10 or 20 g/kg) can alter mineral element accumulations in muscles as evidenced by reduced muscular Cu and Pb contents.