Effect of dietary inclusion of Bacillus-based probiotics on performance, egg quality, and the faecal microbiota of laying hen

OBJECTIVE

Our study examined the impact of propriety blends of Bacillus strain probiotics on the performance, egg quality, and faecal microflora of laying hens.

METHODS

A total of 183 Institut de selection Animale (ISA) brown laying hens aged 23 weeks with an average body weight of 1,894±72 g were randomly allocated into 3 groups as control (corn-soybean meal based diet, CON), 0.5 g/kg Enterosure probiotics (ET1, 3×108 colony-forming unit [CFU]/kg feed), and 5 g/kg Enterosure probiotics (ET2, 3×109 CFU/kg feed) administered in mashed form. At the completion of each phase hen day egg production (HDEP), average egg weight (AEW), feed intake, and faecal microbiota were evaluated.

RESULTS

HDEP and AEW were higher (p<0.05) in the ET2-supplemented diet in phase 3 (week 9 to 12) compared with CON. Egg mass (EM) was higher (p<0.05) in phase 2 at ET2, and also higher (p<0.05) in phase 3 at the ET1 and ET2-supplemented diets compared with CON. Feed conversion ratio was lower (p<0.05) in phase 3 at the ET1 and ET2-supplemented diets, with ET2 being the lowest compared with ET1 and CON. Yolk colour was higher (p<0.05) in the ET-supplemented diets at phase 3 compared with CON. Bifidobacterium spp. was higher (p<0.05) in the ET2- supplemented diet compared with CON in phase 2, while in In phase 3, Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. were higher (p<0.05) in the ET-supplemented diets compared with CON. Coliforms were lower (p<0.05) in the ETsupplemented diets compared with CON in phase 3.

CONCLUSION

The propriety blends of Bacillus strain probiotics supplements at 0.5 g/kg and 5 g/kg could improve the production and quality of eggs with more significance at 5 g/kg for HDEP, AEW and EM, which was achieved via the increase of beneficial microbiomes such as Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and the decrease of pathogenic microbiomes like Escherichia coli and Coliforms which was speculated to improve gut barrier function and the reproductive hormone.

Importance of dietary supplementation of soluble and insoluble fibers to sows subjected to high ambient temperatures during late gestation and effects on lactation performance

Heat stress adversely affects sows' performance, which can be improved by applying proper nutritional strategies. This study was conducted to investigate the interactive effects of dietary fiber levels and sources on sows' reproductive performance, metabolic response during gestation, and the carry-over influence on litter performance in the lactation period during heat stress (average room temperature of 27.1 °C). Fifty-four multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire; initial body weight of 236.3 ± 16 kg; 2, 3 and 4 parities) at d 90 of gestation were assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (9 sows/treatment), involving 2 dietary fiber levels (4.5% and 6% crude fiber) and 3 dietary fiber sources (wheat bran [WB], palm kernel meal [PK], and beet pulp [BP]). Sows fed the BP diet had highest (P < 0.01) feed intake and constipation index and lowest (P < 0.01) farrowing duration. Piglet weight (P = 0.041) and litter weight (P < 0.01) at weaning were higher in sows in the BP treatment compared to PK treatment. Sows in the BP treatment showed the greatest (P < 0.01) digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber. The fecal concentration of acetate was the lowest (P < 0.01) in the PK treatment. Total short-chain fatty acid production was increased in the WB and BP treatments compared with the PK. Sows in the BP treatment showed the lowest (P = 0.036) hair cortisol. The blood insulin concentration of sows was higher (P = 0.026) in the high fiber (6%) treatment compared with the low fiber (4.5%) treatment at 90 min and 120 min after the meal. The concentration of phthalic acid, succinic acid, phenylethylamine, hydrocinnamic acid, iron, linoleic acid, glycerol, ketone, and formamide were increased (P < 0.05) in the BP treatment compared with the WB. The BP treatment with high soluble fiber content improved the constipation index, farrowing duration, and litter performance, while high insoluble fibers increased sows comfort and reduced stress factors including respiratory rate and rectal temperature. Therefore, both soluble and insoluble sources of fiber are necessary to be added to the diet of gestating sows.

A metanalysis to evaluate the effects of substrate sources on the nutritional performance of black soldier fly larvae: implications for sustainable poultry feed

This meta-analysis presents an evaluation of substrate sources and their impact on the growth performance of black soldier fly (BSF) larva. The database, compiled from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct, focuses on data concerning substrate sources, environmental conditions, and the performance parameters of BSF. Seven types of substrates were analyzed, including Feed Waste, Manure, Fruits, Mix, Animal Source, Fermentation Residue, and Food Waste. The Feed Waste group demonstrated the highest DM content, while the highest CP content was found in the Animal Source group. Higher CP and DM content were found in larva meal from Fermentation Residues and Feed Waste diets, respectively. Higher survival rates were observed in BSF larvae fed on Feed Waste, Fermentation Residues, Food Waste, Fruits, Mix, and Manure substrates compared to Vegetable and Animal Source substrates. Fresh larval weight was lower when Manure was used as a feed substrate than in the Animal Source, Feed Waste, and Vegetable substrates. The prepupal Wet Weight was highest in BSF larvae fed on Animal Source, surpassing those fed on Fermentation Residue, Manure, and Vegetable substrates. Substrate CP content exhibited a positive relationship with fresh larva weight, prepupal wet weight, dry larval weight; larval length, mortality until prepupal, protein conversion, feed conversion ratio, food consumption, substrate reduction rate bioconversion ratio, waste reduction index, and efficiency conversion of digested feed in BSF larva. In conclusion, our findings underline that the source and composition of substrates are correlated to the nutritional composition and conversion efficiency of BSF larva meal.

Improvement of weanling pigs immune status and metabolic condition using ultraweak light

Weaning stress is the most common issue in swine farms, which increases mortality and morbidity. The use of artificial light is an option for modifying the immune system and metabolic pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of ultraweak light (Photonia) on growth performance, immune system and metabolism of weanling pigs, and the carry-over effect on the growth performance in postweanling growing stages. A total of 30 weaned pigs with an average initial body weight of 7.06 ± 0.11 kg (age: 21 days) were allotted two treatments (Control and Photonia) with 15 replicates. The pelleted form diets were prepared for pigs in three phases including phase 1 (Days 0-14), phase 2 (Days 15-28) and phase 3 (Days 29-48). The gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) of pigs was significantly greater in the Photonia treatment. On Day 28, a higher concentration of immunoglobin A (IgA) (p < 0.01) and IgG (p < 0.01) was observed in the Photonia pigs. On Day 48, the Photonia treatment showed a greater serum IgA (p < 0.01) and IgG (p < 0.05). The concentration of interleukin (IL)-6 was decreased (p < 0.05) in the Photonia treatment. At Day 48, the concentrations of tumour necrotic factor-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in serum were decreased (p < 0.05) in pigs in the Photonia treatment. Metabolic pathways analysis showed that the Photonia treatment increased the d-glutamine, d-glutamate, alanine, aspartate, glutamate and phenylalanine compared with the control treatment. In conclusion, the use of Photonia for weanling pigs is recommended due to improved G:F, immune status and activation of amino acids metabolic pathways including d-glutamine, d-glutamate, alanine, aspartate, glutamate and phenylalanine.

Beet pulp as soluble fiber source and dietary energy levels for growing pigs under heat stress

The study evaluated the effects of dietary fiber and energy levels administered during two growing periods (d 0-28 and d 29-56) for pigs exposed to a high temperature. A total of 96 growing pigs were used in six treatments as: Two treatments in thermoneutral temperature (21°C-24°C) with dietary energy of 3,300 and the inclusion of high or low fiber, two treatments in heat stress (30°C-34°C) with dietary energy of 3,300 and the inclusion of high or low fiber, and two treatments in heat stress with dietary energy of 3,450 and the inclusion of high or low fiber. Among standard energy level treatments, heat-stressed pigs showed lower average daily gain (ADG), feed intake, digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, crude protein, and crude fiber in phases 1 and 2. Moreover, higher concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) in feces were shown in pigs fed high fiber diets. There was a negative interaction between dietary fiber and energy for the fecal concentration of isobutyrate in phase 1 and valerate in phase 2. Pigs in heat stress treatments showed a higher rectal temperature, respiratory rate, hair cortisol, plasma zonulin, and fecal lipocalin-2. Among heat stress treatments, the overall ADG was increased in pigs fed high fiber. Pigs fed high dietary fiber showed a greater concentration of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total SCFA. High fiber treatments decreased plasma zonulin. In conclusion, the inclusion of beet pulp, soluble fiber, at the level of 4% looks necessary in pigs diet during heat stress.

Quality Characteristics of Black Soldier Flies Produced by Different Substrates

Black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) has a high capacity for amino acids and fatty acid accumulation. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of tofu by-products, food waste, and vegetables for BSF growth and conversion efficiency. BSFs under tofu by-product treatments showed the greatest weight at d 12 and the harvest period. Moreover, BSF larval weight was greater in the food waste treatment compared with the vegetable treatment at d 12 and harvest. The larva yield result was greater in the vegetable treatment compared with the tofu by-product. The bioconversion rate was higher in the tofu by-product treatment compared with the food waste and vegetable treatments. The protein conversion rate and lipid conversion rate were the highest in the vegetable treatment. The protein yield and lipid yield were greatest in the tofu by-product treatment. The lauric acid content was increased in BSFs fed tofu by-products compared with the food waste treatment. The concentration of C16:1 was the highest in the tofu by-product treatment. The content of oleic acid and α-linolenic acid was higher in BSFs fed tofu by-products compared with the vegetable treatment. In conclusion, the tofu by-products show benefits for larval growth and nutrient accumulation, which can improve larval quality for livestock feed ingredients.

Improving the bioavailability of manganese and meat quality of broilers by using hot-melt extrusion nano method

1. Mineral excretion is an issue in the poultry industry. The use of micro minerals in nano form can increase bioavailability and decrease excretion rate. However, information concerning the bioavailability of nano manganese (Mn) in broiler chicks is limited.2. This experiment studied the influences of hot-melt extrusion (HME)-processed manganese sulphate on body weight gain, Mn bioavailability, nutrient digestibility and meat quality in broiler chicks fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet as a starter and grower phase. A total of 700 birds (Ross 308, 1-day-old) were randomly placed in 35 cages (20 birds per cage). The broiler chicks were fed one of seven experimental diets, which consisted of a control (without supplemental Mn), different levels of MnSO₄ (IN-Mn60; 60, 120, and 200 mg/kg), or HME MnSO₄ (HME-Mn; 60, 120, and 200 mg/kg).3. There was an increased serum Mn content in broilers fed diet supplemented with HME-Mn. In the grower phase, increased dietary Mn levels elevated the concentrations in the serum, liver, and tibia. There were increases in the excreta Mn content of broilers fed increasing levels. The supplementation of HME-Mn showed a lower percentage of abdominal fat compared with the IN-Mn treatment diets. Supplementation with HME-Mn decreased intramuscular fat compared with the diets supplemented with IN-Mn. The supplementation of HME-Mn decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) at d 6 of age. The HME-Mn source showed a greater decrease in TBARS compared with the IN-Mn treatment.4. In conclusion, HME processing increased bioavailability and could be used as an environmentally friendly method to facilitate lower levels of Mn in the diet of broiler chickens.

Effects of Scopoletin Supplementation and Stocking Density on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Activity, and Meat Quality of Korean Native Broiler Chickens

Stocking density stress is one of the most common management stressors in the poultry industry. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of dietary Sophora koreensis (SK; 0 and 20 mg/kg diet) and stocking density (SD; 14 and 16 chickens/m²) on the antioxidant status, meat quality, and growth performance of native Korean chickens. There was a lower concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and a higher concentration of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity in the serum and leg muscle with the supplementation of SK. The concentration of MDA was increased and concentrations of SOD were decreased in the leg muscle of chickens in low SD treatments. The SK-supplemented treatments showed an increased 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate-reducing activity of leg muscles. The higher water holding capacity of breast muscle and a lower cooking loss and pH were shown in the SK-supplemented treatments. The addition of dietary SK resulted in a greater body weight gain and greater spleen and bursa Fabricius weight, as well as lower feed intake and abdominal fat. The low SD and supplementation of SK increased the concentrations of cholesterol. The concentration of glucose was increased in the low SD treatment. Corticosterone level was decreased in the SK-supplemented and low SD treatments. In conclusion, SK supplementation reduced the oxidative stress and increased meat quality and antioxidant status of chickens apart from the SD stress.

Mitochondria are impaired in the adipocytes of type 2 diabetic mice

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to confirm a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cellular levels of mitochondrial proteins, cellular mitochondrial DNA content, and mitochondrial function and morphology were assessed by MitoTracker staining and electron microscopy, in white adipose tissue of 12-week-old male wild-type, obese (ob/ob), and diabetic (db/db) mice.

RESULTS

Levels of mitochondrial proteins were found to be very similar in the livers and muscles of all the mice studied. However, levels were greatly decreased in the adipocytes of db/db mice, but not in those of the wild-type and ob/ob mice. Levels of mitochondrial DNA were also found to be considerably reduced in the adipocytes of db/db mice. MitoTracker staining and under electron microscopy revealed that the number of mitochondria was reduced in adipocytes of db/db mice. Respiration and fatty acid oxidation studies indicated mitochondrial dysfunction in adipocytes of db/db mice. Interestingly, there was an increase in mitochondria and mitochondrial protein production in adipocytes of db/db mice treated with rosiglitazone, an agent that enhances insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Taken together, these data indicate that mitochondrial loss in adipose tissue is correlated with the development of type 2 diabetes.

Bax-dependent apoptosis induced by ceramide in HL-60 cells

Ceramide is an important lipid messenger involved in mediating a variety of cell functions including apoptosis. In this study, we show that antisense bax inhibits cytochrome c release, poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase cleavage and cell death induced by ceramide in HL-60 cells. In addition, ceramide induces translocation of Bax to mitochondria. The addition of the broad spectrum caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk prevented ceramide-induced apoptotic cell death but did not inhibit translocation of Bax and mitochondrial cytochrome c release. Furthermore, ceramide inhibits the expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL with an increase in the ratio of Bax to Bcl-xL. These data provide direct evidence that Bax plays an important role in regulating ceramide-induced apoptosis.