ACE2 mediates tryptophan alleviation on diarrhea by repairing intestine barrier involved mTOR pathway.

The membrane-delimited receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is expressed in the intestine, collaborates with broad neutral amino acid transporter 1 (B0AT1). Tryptophan (Trp) is transported into intestinal epithelial cells by ACE2 and B0AT1. However, whether ACE2 and its binding protein B0AT1 are involved in Trp-mediated alleviation of intestinal injury is largely unknown. Here, we used weaned piglets and IPEC-J2 cells as models and found that ACE2/B0AT1 alleviated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced diarrhea and promoted intestinal barrier recovery via transport of Trp. The levels of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways were altered by ACE2. Dietary Trp supplementation in LPS-treated weaned piglets revealed that Trp alleviated diarrhea by promoting ACE2/B0AT1 expression, and examination of intestinal morphology revealed that the damage to the intestinal barrier was repaired. Our study demonstrated that ACE2 accompanied by B0AT1 mediated the alleviation of diarrhea by Trp through intestinal barrier repair via the mTOR pathway.

Toxicodynamic of combined mycotoxins: MicroRNAs and acute-phase proteins as diagnostic biomarkers.

Mycotoxins, ubiquitous contaminants in food, present a global threat to human health and well-being. Mitigation efforts, such as the implementation of sound agricultural practices, thorough food processing, and the advancement of mycotoxin control technologies, have been instrumental in reducing mycotoxin exposure and associated toxicity. To comprehensively assess mycotoxins and their toxicodynamic implications, the deployment of effective and predictive strategies is imperative. Understanding the manner of action, transformation, and cumulative toxic effects of mycotoxins, moreover, their interactions with food matrices can be gleaned through gene expression and transcriptome analyses at cellular and molecular levels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) govern the expression of target genes and enzymes that play pivotal roles in physiological, pathological, and toxicological responses, whereas acute phase proteins (APPs) exert regulatory control over the metabolism of therapeutic agents, both endogenously and posttranscriptionally. Consequently, this review aims to consolidate current knowledge concerning the regulatory role of miRNAs in the initiation of toxicological pathways by mycotoxins and explores the potential of APPs as biomarkers following mycotoxin exposure. The findings of this research highlight the potential utility of miRNAs and APPs as indicators for the detection and management of mycotoxins in food through biological processes. These markers offer promising avenues for enhancing the safety and quality of food products.

Toxocara canis seropositivity in different exposure groups in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Northwest Pakistan.

Human toxocariasis is a highly prevalent zoonosis worldwide but is underreported in most countries. This study was conducted to evaluate Toxocara canis seropositivity in different exposure sub-groups located in the Mardan, Swabi, and Nowshera districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Northwest Pakistan. A total of 400 blood samples were collected from males 15 years of age and older with no animals, with livestock, with dogs and/or cats living in the house, and from butchers and veterinarians or para-veterinarians. Serum was tested using a commercial ELISA kit for detection of IgG antibodies against T. canis. Proportion seropositive was presented for each group and differences between groups were evaluated using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Possible risk factors obtained through administration of a questionnaire were also evaluated for each sub-population. Overall T. canis seroprevalence was 14.2%, with a significant difference found between the seroprevalence of individuals with no animals (5.0%; 5/100), individuals with dogs and/or cats living in the household (8.0%; 8/100), individuals with livestock (18.0%; 18/100), veterinarians or para-veterinarians (24.0%; 12/50), and butchers (28.0%; 14/50) (p < 0.001). Significant differences in seropositivity by income bracket, education level, and working in the fields were found for some sub-groups. Study findings demonstrate that certain sub-populations, in Northwest Pakistan, may be at greater risk of T. canis infection. Development and implementation of targeted preventive strategies may, therefore, be needed.

Microbial and enzymatic battle with food contaminant zearalenone (ZEN).

Zearalenone (ZEN) contamination of various foods and feeds is an important global problem. In some animals and humans, ZEN causes significant health issues in addition to massive economic losses, annually. Therefore, removal or degradation of the ZEN in foods and feeds is required to be done. The conventional physical and chemical methods have some serious issues including poor efficiency, decrease in nutritional value, palatability of feed, and use of costly equipment. Research examined microbes from diverse media for their ability to degrade zearalenone and other toxins, and the findings of several investigations revealed that enzymes produced from microbes play a significant role in the degradation of mycotoxins. In established bacterial hosts, genetically engineered technique was used to enhance heterologously produced degrading enzymes. Then, the bio-degradation of ZEN by the use of micro-organisms or their enzymes is much more advantageous and is close to nature and ecofriendly. Furthermore, an effort is made to put forward the work done by different scientists on the biodegradation of ZEN by the use of fungi, yeast, bacteria, and/or their enzymes to degrade the ZEN to non-toxic products. KEY POINTS: •Evolved microbial strains degraded ZEA more quickly •Different degrading properties were studied.

Mitigation potential of individual and combined dietary supplementation of local Bentonite Clay and Distillery Sludge against Ochratoxin-A induced toxicity in broilers.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of dietary supplementation of local bentonite clay (BN) and distillery sludge (DS) alone and in combination on ochratoxin-A (OTA) induced toxicity in broilers. For this purpose, day-old-broiler chicks (n = 270) were procured from the local market and reared under standard management conditions. After 7 days of acclimatization, birds were divided into 2 main groups A and B with respect to OTA inclusion level in feed, each with four sub-groups viz. A1-A4, each challenged with OTA at a dietary inclusion level of 250 µg/kg feed and B1-B4, each challenged with OTA at the level of 500 µg/kg feed and a common control group that was fed with basal feed throughout the experiment. In groups A and B, BN and DS were administered with feed at the rate of 10 g/kg of feed and 5 g/kg of feed alone and in combination, respectively. RESULTS: Results showed that OTA administration alone resulted in poor feed conversion ratio (FCR) and immunological responses along with increased serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), urea and creatinine (P < 0.05). A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in serum protein levels (albumin, globulin and total protein) was also observed in OTA-fed groups in a dose-dependent manner. The addition of BN at 10 g/kg of OTA-contaminated feed resulted in better FCR and immunological responses as compared to those fed OTA only. The BN supplementation also conferred protection against elevation of serum biochemical parameters when compared with OTA-fed groups. However, the addition of DS could not provide significant protection (P > 0.05) on alteration of serum biochemical parameters in response to the OTA induced toxicity. The combined supplementation of BN and DS resulted in amelioration of OTA-induced toxicity and showed improved FCR, immunological, hematological and serum biochemical parameters (P < 0.05) when compared with other groups. Similarly, BN and DS resulted in a significant decline (P < 0.05) in the OTA tissue residues compared with other groups and control. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, combined dietary supplementation of BN (10 mg/kg) and DS (05 mg/kg) in feed reduced the toxic effects of OTA contamination at levels of 250 and 500 µg/kg of feed in broilers. So, the combination products of BN and DS may be successfully developed for use in poultry for protection against OTA-induced toxicity in broilers.

Aflatoxins associated oxidative stress and immunological alterations are mitigated by dietary supplementation of Pichia kudriavzevii in broiler chicks.

Mycotoxins are the secondary metabolites of certain toxigenic fungi which pose severe health stress in humans, animals and poultry. Certain biological agents and components are used to adsorb mycotoxins in poultry industry which provide promising results in this regard. Pichia kudriazevii (PK), a novel yeast, has the ability to enhance the immune status of poultry chicks. The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of PK against aflatoxins associated immunosuppression and oxidative stress in broiler chicks. 180-one day old broiler chicks were equally divided into six groups and given different combinations of aflatoxins (300 and 600 µg/kg) and PK (1 g/kg). Parameters studied were antibody response to sheep red blood cells, lymphoproliferative response to PHA-P; phagocytic response by carbon clearance assay system, total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status of chicks. Results of this experiment confirmed the immunomodulation and antioxidant capacity of PK against 300 µg/kg aflatoxin level. However such amelioration was partial when PK was used with 600 µg/kg aflatoxins. Moreover, the exact ratio of aflatoxin: PK to cause such amelioration still needs to be investigated.

Mycotoxin contamination and control strategy in human, domestic animal and poultry: A review.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced mainly by fungi belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Claviceps, and Alternaria that contaminate basic food products throughout the world, where developing countries are becoming predominantly affected. Currently, more than 500 mycotoxins are reported in which the most important concern to public health and agriculture include AFB1, OTA, TCTs (especially DON, T-2, HT-2), FB1, ZEN, PAT, CT, and EAs. The presence of mycotoxin in significant quantities poses health risks varying from allergic reactions to death on both humans and animals. This review brings attention to the present status of mycotoxin contamination of food products and recommended control strategies for mycotoxin mitigation. Humans are exposed to mycotoxins directly through the consumption of contaminated foods while, indirectly through carryover of toxins and their metabolites into animal tissues, milk, meat and eggs after ingestion of contaminated feeds. Pre-harvest (field) control of mycotoxin production and post-harvest (storage) mitigation of contamination represent the most effective approach to limit mycotoxins in food and feed. Compared with chemical and physical approaches, biological detoxification methods regarding biotransformation of mycotoxins into less toxic metabolites, are generally more unique, productive and eco-friendly. Along with the biological detoxification method, genetic improvement and application of nanotechnology show tremendous potential in reducing mycotoxin production thereby improving food safety and food quality for extended shelf life. This review will primarily describe the latest developments in the formation and detoxification of the most important mycotoxins by biological degradation and other alternative approaches, thereby reducing the potential adverse effects of mycotoxins.

Virulence-associated genes and antimicrobial resistance among avian pathogenic Escherichia coli from colibacillosis affected broilers in Pakistan.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis that leads to high morbidity and mortality among poultry birds. To date, there is a lack of knowledge about virulence-associated genes (VAGs) and multidrug resistance of APEC isolates from Pakistan. In this study, we determined the VAGs and antibiotic resistance profiles of APEC isolates recovered from colibacillosis affected broilers in Faisalabad region of Pakistan. A total of 84 diseased and dead birds from different local broilers farms were collected and examined for the gross lesions of colibacillosis by conducting postmortem examination. Of these, APEC isolates were recovered from 75 (89.2%) birds. Antibiotic susceptibility tests against 11 antimicrobial agents showed the highest resistance against ampicillin (98.6%) followed by tetracycline (97.3%) and ciprofloxacin (72%). The presence of 11 virulence-associated genes (VAGs) was detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 75 APEC, 32 (42.6%) harbored > 5 VAGs. Most commonly found genes were increased serum survival (iss; 84%), iron transport (iutA; 74.6%), and colicin V (ColV; 60%). Twenty-two isolates (29.3%) were found to possess a combination of VAGs; iss, tsh, iroN, and iutA, in addition to other VAGs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the detection of virulence-associated genes and multidrug resistance among APEC isolates in Pakistan. In the future, the strains with the predominant set of VAGs can be used for colibacillosis diagnosis and as a potential vaccine candidate.

Pathological effects of concurrent administration of aflatoxin B1 and fowl adenovirus-4 in broiler chicks.

The current study was designed to investigate pathological effects of fowl adenovirus in broilers exposed to aflatoxin B1. Fowl Adenovirus-4 (FAdV-4) infection is remerging in all types of poultry birds in Pakistan. Poultry feed contamination with mycotoxin (aflatoxin) is another important global issue. A total of 125-day old broiler birds were divided into six equal groups. Group A served as control. B and C groups were administered with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) 100 and 200 µg/kg feed. Group D was infected with FAdV-4, while groups E and F administered with both AFB1 (100 & 200 µg/kg) along with FAdV-4. These birds were monitored for clinical signs and mortality. Feed intake, body weight (BW), relative organ weights and gross & histopathological lesions were recorded. The highest mortality was observed in group F (FAdV-4 + AFB1 200 µg/kg feed) and the lowest mortality was observed in group B (AFB1 100 µg/kg feed). Body weights of all the groups were significantly (p < 0.05) lower as compared with control group. Relative weight of liver and kidneys in groups E and F were significantly higher as compared with control. Grossly, liver was swollen, anemic with round margins in groups D, E and F. Kidneys were also swollen with whitish areas indicating dead tissue. Microscopically intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed in group D-F. The hepatic parenchyma was also indicating necrotic changes along with vacuolar degeneration. In renal parenchyma, acute tubular necrosis was observed in groups C, E and F. It was concluded that AFB1 intoxication lead to dose dependent changes in liver and kidneys. Severity of the changes was increased in interactive groups of AFB1 with FAdV-4. Therefore, feed should be regularly monitored for AFB1 levels and day old chicks for vertically transmitted FAdV-4 to prevent losses.

Evaluation of DNA vaccine encoding BCSP31 surface protein of Brucella abortus for protective immunity.

Brucellosis is a highly contagious and zoonotic disease and has a considerable impact on animal health and economy of a country, principally in Pakistan, where rural income largely depends upon livestock farming and dairy products. The disease burden is more in underdeveloped/developing countries due to the low economy and limited access to the diagnostic facilities. In Pakistan, the prevalence of Brucella abortus is very high, so it is the need of the hour to control this disease through more advanced methods. This study was designed with the aim to construct the DNA based vaccine of gene encoding antigenic surface protein (BCSP31). For this purpose, the BCSP31 gene was amplified, purified and ligated in pTZ57 R/T (cloning vector). Dubbed BCSP31-pTZ57 R/T vector was transformed into competent cells (DH5α). After plasmid extraction, the plasmid and pET-28a vector was restricted with EcoRI and BamHI. Again, ligation was done and dubbed pET-28a-BCSP31 transformed into E. coli (BL21). After expression, the protein was purified and used for evaluation of immunogenic response. The protective and immunogenic efficacy of the vaccine was evaluated in rabbits (n = 20). The rabbits were divided into four equal groups. Groups A-C were given purified protein diluted in normal saline @ 750, 1500 and 3000 µg/0.2 mL, respectively through intraconjunctival route. Group D was given 0.2 mL normal saline through intraconjunctival route. Specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses were measured through indirect ELISA on a weekly basis. The titer of IgG against the antigen was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in vaccinated groups A-C as compared to group D (control group) in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, log units of protection produced by DNA based vaccine in the rabbits (3.02) also indicated the protective efficacy of the DNA vaccine against B. abortus challenge. The response of this vaccine in rabbit suggested its potential effectiveness against Brucella abortus in large animals.

Comparative efficacy of Bentonite clay, activated charcoal and Trichosporon mycotoxinivorans in regulating the feed-to-tissue transfer of mycotoxins.

BACKGROUND: Mycotoxins contamination in animal products and by-products is a persistent threat to the food and feed industry. The present study was designed to evaluate the comparative inhibitory effects of Bentonite (BN), activated charcoal (AC) and a newly discovered yeast, Trichosporon mycotoxinivorans (TM), against feed-to-tissue transfer of mycotoxins. RESULTS: A dose dependent increase as determined by HPLC, in the residues of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) was exhibited in the groups of birds fed AFB1 and OTA alone. The dietary addition of BN and AC to AFB1-contaminated diets resulted in a 41-87% and 16-72% decrease in AFB1 residues in liver of the birds, respectively. However, this decrease was non-significant with addition of TM as AFB1 binder. A partial to non-significant protection was observed by dietary BN and AC, against OTA residues, while a significant decrease in OTA residues (38-84%) was noted in TM-OTA co-fed groups. CONCLUSION: The order of efficacy in terms of lowering AFB1 residues in the liver was BN > AC > TM, while against OTA it was TM > BN > AC. The findings of present study suggest that, based upon the nature of target mycotoxins, a mixture of multi-mycotoxins binders/detoxifiers should be incorporated in the animal feeds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

In vivo anticoccidial effects of Beta vulgaris (sugar beet) in broiler chickens.

Recently, use of botanicals as an alternative to anticoccidial drugs has been appealing approach for controlling avian coccidiosis. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the anticoccidial activity of aqueous methanolic extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of body weight) of Beta vulgaris (roots) in broiler chicks. A total of 315 day old broiler chicks were divided into seven equal groups (A, B, C, D, E, F and G). At 14th day of age, all groups except group G, which served as non infected non medicated control, were infected orally with 60,000 sporulated oocysts of mixed Eimeria species. At the same day, groups A, B and C were treated with graded oral doses of B. vulgaris aqueous methanolic extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of body weight, respectively). Group D was treated with Vitamin-E, group E served as infected medicated control group (Baycox® treated) and group F served as infected non medicated control group (PBS treated). Treatment with extract, reference drug Baycox®, Vitamin E and PBS was continued for three consecutive days (14-16 days of age). Though, not at par with reference drug (Baycox®), B. vulgaris demonstrated good anticoccidial activity adjudged based on considered criteria, i.e., feed conversion ratio, lesion score, oocyst score and oocysts per gram of feces. Results of serum profile of infected chicks revealed no adverse effects of aqueous methanolic extract of B. vulgaris on the experimental chicks.

Dermatoprotective effects of some plant extracts (genus Ficus) against experimentally induced toxicological insults in rabbits.

AIM: Present study was conducted to evaluate the dermatoprotective effects of plant extracts (Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis, and Ficus racemosa) against known irritants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), atrazine, and petrol. METHODS: The study was conducted in adult male rabbits. Ethanol extracts of plants were obtained through Soxhlet. All irritants and Ficus extracts were topically applied to the backs of rabbits daily for 4 days, while pure ethanol served as control. Skin was examined after 24, 48, and 96 h for erythema. Skin biopsies were taken on 5th day for microscopic examination. RESULTS: Erythema produced by irritants reduced significantly with the simultaneous application of Ficus extracts. The mean ± SEM epidermal thickness (micrometer) with SDS was 45.40 ± 1.89, F. religiosa + SDS was 18.60 ± 0.51, F. benghalensis + SDS was 18.40 ± 0.25, F. racemosa + SDS was 18.80 ± 0.37, and mixture of three Ficus species + SDS was 16.80 ± 0.37. Similar findings were revealed after using plant extracts with atrazine and petrol. The mean ± SEM epidermal layer count for SDS was 3.60 ± 0.25, atrazine was 3.40 ± 0.25, petrol was 3.40 ± 0.25, and ethanol (control) was 1.00 ± 0.20. This count reduced to 1.20 ± 0.20 for three Ficus species + SDS, 1.40 ± 0.25 for Ficus species + atrazine, and 1.40 ± 0.25 for Ficus species + petrol. CONCLUSION: Ficus species demonstrated the potential to block the dermatotoxic effects of topical irritants and could be used successfully to prevent skin toxicity.

Dietary vitamin E in White Leghorn layer breeder hens: a strategy to combat aflatoxin B1-induced damage.

Mycotoxins are unavoidable contaminants of animal and human feed and food respectively. This study was designed to investigate the protective activity of vitamin E (Vit E) in White Leghorn breeder hens and their progeny against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced damage. The results indicated a significant decrease in egg production and quality in the groups exposed to dietary AFB1. A detectable amount of AFB1 residue appeared in the eggs during the first week of mycotoxin exposure at levels ≥ 2.5 mg kg(-1), which reached its peak (0.403 ± 0.04 ng/g [mean ± standard deviation]) during the second week of the experiment (in the group fed 10 mg kg(-1)). Feeding Vit E + AFB1 resulted in higher AFB1 residues (0.467 ± 0.03) when compared with the hens fed AFB1 alone. The resistance of red blood cells to oxidative damage was decreased, while embryonic mortalities and deformities were increased in the AFB1-fed groups. The protective effect of Vit E on these parameters was noted in the groups fed lower doses of AFB1. After the withdrawal of mycotoxin-contaminated feed, most of the parameters returned towards normal within 2 weeks, except AFB1 residues that were still detectable. From the findings of this study one can conclude that the addition of Vit E in the diet of hens provided only partial protection against AFB1-induced damage.

Recalling the reported toxicity assessment of deoxynivalenol, mitigating strategies and its toxicity mechanisms: Comprehensive review.

Mycotoxins frequently contaminate a variety of food items, posing significant concerns for both food safety and public health. The adverse consequences linked to poisoning from these substances encompass symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, the potential for cancer development, impairments to the immune system, disruptions in neuroendocrine function, genetic damage, and, in severe cases, fatality. The deoxynivalenol (DON) raises significant concerns for both food safety and human health, particularly due to its potential harm to vital organs in the body. It is one of the most prevalent fungal contaminants found in edible items used by humans and animals globally. The presence of harmful mycotoxins, including DON, in food has caused widespread worry. Altered versions of DON have arisen as possible risks to the environment and well-being, as they exhibit a greater propensity to revert back to the original mycotoxins. This can result in the buildup of mycotoxins in both animals and humans, underscoring the pressing requirement for additional investigation into the adverse consequences of these modified mycotoxins. Furthermore, due to the lack of sufficient safety data, accurately evaluating the risk posed by modified mycotoxins remains challenging. Our review study delves into conjugated forms of DON, exploring its structure, toxicity, control strategies, and a novel animal model for assessing its toxicity. Various toxicities, such as acute, sub-acute, chronic, and cellular, are proposed as potential mechanisms contributing to the toxicity of conjugated forms of DON. Additionally, the study offers an overview of DON's toxicity mechanisms and discusses its widespread presence worldwide. A thorough exploration of the health risk evaluation associated with conjugated form of DON is also provided in this discussion.

Cold plasma: A success road to mycotoxins mitigation and food value edition.

Mycotoxins are common in many agricultural products and may harm both animals and humans. Dietary mycotoxins are reduced via physical, chemical, and thermal decontamination methods. Chemical residues are left behind after physical and chemical treatments that decrease food quality. Since mycotoxins are heat-resistant, heat treatments do not completely eradicate them. Cold plasma therapy increases food safety and shelf life. Cold plasma-generated chemical species may kill bacteria quickly at room temperature while leaving no chemical residues. This research explains how cold plasma combats mold and mycotoxins to guarantee food safety and quality. Fungal cells are damaged and killed by cold plasma species. Mycotoxins are also chemically broken down by the species, making the breakdown products safer. According to a preliminary cold plasma study, plasma may enhance food shelf life and quality. The antifungal and antimycotoxin properties of cold plasma benefit fresh produce, agricultural commodities, nuts, peppers, herbs, dried meat, and fish.

A study of the immunomodulatory effects of coconut oil extract in broilers experimentally infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of coconut oil extract (COE) in broilers experimentally infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus (vNDV). Methods: A total of 150 broiler birds (day-old) were equally divided into five study groups i.e., negative control, positive control, COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3. On day 10, broilers of groups COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3 were supplemented with 1, 2, and 3 ml of COE respectively per liter of drinking water for 15 days. On day 13, 0.1ml/bird (10-5.25 ELD50) of vNDV was inoculated in broilers of positive control, COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3 groups intramuscularly. During this study, growth performance, morbidity, and mortality rates of each study group were recorded. The antibody titer against NDV was determined on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. The levels of IgY and IgM were also determined on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-SRBC inoculation. On day 33, avian tuberculin was injected between the 1st and 2nd toes of the left side (intradermally) to measure lymphoproliferative responses. On day 35, the phagocytic activity in the blood was assessed through a carbon clearance assay by injecting carbon black ink into the right-wing vein. The visceral organs having gross lesions were also collected for histopathology. Results: The COE significantly improved the growth performance, and lowered the morbidity and mortality rates of broilers. There was a significant rise in antibody titers against NDV and levels of IgY and IgM antibodies against SRBC in COE-supplemented broilers. The lymphoproliferative response and phagocytic activity were also enhanced. Among COE-supplemented groups, the broilers of the COE-3 group showed a significant increase in growth performance and boosted immune defense. Conclusions: Coconut oil extract has the potential to boost the growth performance and immune status of broilers. It can be used effectively as a feed additive and alternative to antibiotics to prevent the spread of infectious poultry pathogens.

Aflatoxin B1-associated oxidative stress along with toxicopathological and immunological alterations is efficiently counteracted by dietary supplementation of distillery yeast sludge in broilers.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is among the most potent genotoxic and carcinogenic mycotoxins and is a major source of distress for the growing poultry sector. On the other hand, distillery yeast sludge or distillery sludge (DS) is a byproduct of molasses-based industries. It is often treated as a waste despite containing abundant nutrients particularly protein, basic amino acids, and vitamins along with other macro and micronutrients. This study was designed to investigate the oxidative stress and immunological alterations induced by AFB1 and their amelioration by dietary supplementation with DS. For this purpose, 360 newly hatched broiler chicks were randomly divided into twelve groups (30 birds each) and fed different combinations of AFB1 (100, 200, or 600 µg/kg) and DS (5 or 10 g/kg) for 42 days. The parameters under consideration were body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), relative organ weights, histopathological examination of different visceral organs, total antioxidant capacity, antibody response to intravenous injection of sheep red blood cells, in situ lymphoproliferative response to phytohemagglutinin-P, and phagocytic potential through a carbon clearance assay system. The results of this study established that DS supplementation ameliorated AFB1-associated oxidative stress and ameliorated toxicopathological and immunological anomalies in groups given AFB1 at 100 µg/kg and 200 µg/kg; however, little to no relief was observed in birds fed AFB1 at 600 µg/kg. The determination of the actual ratio of the AFB1 to the DS for substantiating the ameliorating effects requires further investigation.

Pathological effects of feeding aflatoxin-contaminated feed on immune status and reproductive performance of juvenile white leghorn males and its mitigation with ∝-tocopherol and Moringa oleifera.

This study was planned to detect the adverse pathological consequences of aflatoxin B1 in White Leghorn (WLH) layer breeder males. Eight-week-old male layer cockerels were separated into six experimental categories: A group was kept as negative control, offered with normal feed only; group B was fed with 400 ppb amount of aflatoxin, while groups F and D fed with normal feed and supplemented with vitamin E 100 ppm and 1% Moringa oleifera, respectively, whereas groups E and C were fed with 400 ppb aflatoxin containing feed and ameliorated with vitamin E 100 ppm and 1% Moringa oleifera, respectively. This study was continued for 2 months and immunologic disorders and reproductive parameters were observed during the trial. To find out immunological status lymphoproliferative response to phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P), antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) and carbon clear assay were performed by collecting samples from five birds from each group. The whole data was measured by ANOVA test, and group means were compared by DMR test by using M-Stat C software. Regarding the reproductive status, spermatogenesis, blood testosterone level, testes weight, testes histology, sperm motility, and morphology were negatively affected by aflatoxins, but these deviations positively ameliorated by vitamin E and Moringa. Vitamin E and Moringa found advantageous in boosting the immune status of affected bird. All the immunological parameters including antibody titers against sheed red blood cells, lymphoproliferative response to avian tuberculin and phagocytic potential of macrophages were suppressed by AFB1 however in control, Moringa and vitamin E groups these immunological responses were significantly higher.

In-vitro assessment of a novel plant rhizobacterium, Citrobacter freundii, for degrading and biocontrol of food mycotoxin deoxynivalenol.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most harmful and well-known toxins present in food and animal feed throughout the world. Citrobacter freundii (C. freundii-ON077584), a novel DON-degrading strain, was isolated from rice root-linked soil samples. The degrading properties, including DON concentrations, incubation pH, incubation temperatures, bacterial concentrations, and acid treatment effect on degradation, were evaluated. At pH 7 and an incubation temperature of 37 °C, C. freundii demonstrated the capability to degrade more than 90% of DON. The degraded products of DON were identified as 3-keto-DON and DOM-1, which were confirmed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography hyphenated with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analyses. The mechanism of DON degradation into 3-keto-DON and DOM-1 by this bacterial strain will be further explored to identify and purify novel degrading enzymes that can be cloned to the microorganism and added to the animal feed to degrade the DON in the digestion tract.