Enzymatic hydrolyzation of Cordyceps militaris mushroom extracts and its effect on spent hen chicken.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of fresh and dried hydrolyzed Cordyceps militaris (CM) mushroom with proteolytic enzymes; bromelain (CMB), flavorzyme (CMF), and mixture of bromelain: flavorzyme (CMBF) on quality properties of spent hen chicken. METHODS: Mushroom extract (CME) were combined with three proteolytic enzyme mixtures that had different peptidase activities; stem bromelain (CMB), flavorzyme (CMF), and mixture of stem bromelain:flavorzyme (CMBF) at (1:1). The effect of these hydrolysates was investigated on spent hen breast meat via dipping marination. RESULTS: Hydrolyzation positively alters functional properties of CM protease. in which bromelain hydrolyzed group (CMB) displayed the highest proteolytic activity at 4.57 unit/mL. The antioxidant activity had a significant increment from 5.32% in CME to 61.79% in CMB. A significantly higher emulsion stability index and emulsification activity index compared to CME were another result from hydrolyzation (p<0.05). Texture properties along with the shear force value and myofibrillar fragmentation index were notably improved under CMB and CMBF in fresh condition. Marination with CM mushroom protease that was previously hydrolyzed with enzymes was proven to also increase the nucleotide compounds, indicated by higher adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) and inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) in hydrolysate groups (p<0.05). The concentration of both total and insoluble collagen remained unchanged, meaning less effect from CM protease. CONCLUSION: This study suggested the hydrolyzation of CM protease with bromelain or a mixture of bromelain:flavourzyme to significantly improve functional properties of protease and escalate the taste-related nucleotide compounds and texture profiles from spent hen breast meat.

Experimental trials to assess the immune modulatory influence of thyme and ginseng oil on NDV-vaccinated broiler chickens.

Background: The use of traditional medicine against viral diseases in animal production has been practiced worldwide. Herbal extracts possess organic substances that would improve chicken body performance. Aim: The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of either thyme or ginseng oil in regard to their immune-modulatory, antiviral, and growth promoter properties. Methods: Two hundred and forty-one-day-old broiler chicks were allocated into eight equal groups as the following: group 1; nonvaccinated and nontreated and group 2; Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccinated and nontreated. Birds of groups 3 and 4 were treated with thyme oil (200 mg/l of drinking water for 12 hours/day) without or with NDV vaccination. Birds of groups 5 and 6 were treated with ginseng oil (200 mg/l of drinking water for 12 hours/day) without or with NDV vaccination. Birds of groups 7 and 8 were treated with a combination of ginseng oil (100 mg/l of drinking water) and thyme oil (100 mg/l of drinking water) for 12 hours/day. On the 35th day of life, birds in all the experimental groups were given 0.1 ml of a virulent genotype VIId NDV strain suspension containing 106.3 EID50/ml intramuscularly. Results: Administration of ginseng and thyme oils each alone or simultaneously to birds either vaccinated or nonvaccinated elicited a significant improvement in body performance parameters. Administration of thyme and ginseng each alone or concurrently to vaccinated birds (Gp 4, 6, and 8) induced a higher hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titer of 6, 7.3, and 6.3 log2 at 21 days of age, 6.7, 7.6, and 7 log2, at 28 days of age and 7, 8, and 6.8 log2 at 35 days of age, respectively. Challenge with vNDV genotype VII led to an increase in the NDV-specific HI-Ab titers 10 days post challenge in all the experimental groups. In addition, thyme, ginseng oils, or a combination of them improved the protection from mortality in vaccinated birds; by 100%, 100%, and 90%, respectively, compared with 80% protection from mortality in vaccinated-only birds post-NDV challenge. Moreover, NDV-vaccinated birds treated either with thyme; ginseng or their combination showed negative detection of the virus in both tracheal and cloacal swabs and nonvaccinated groups that received oils showed improvement in vNDV shedding in tracheal and cloacal swabs. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the administration of thyme and ginseng essential oils to broilers can improve productive performance parameters, stimulate humoral immunity against, and protect from vNDV infection.

Efficacy of dietary supplements of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) and maduramicin alone or in combination with Eimeria tenella infected chicks: A clinical study and molecular docking.

Background: Coccidiosis is one of the most economically significant poultry diseases worldwide, caused by the pathogenic Eimeria species, and is characterized by decreased weight gain (WG) and failure to grow due to malabsorption, low feed conversion rate, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration. Aim: This study investigated the effectiveness of licorice root extract (LRE) in controlling cecal coccidiosis to determine whether its combination with maduramicin could help alleviate the pathological, biochemical, and histopathological effects of cecal coccidiosis in Sasso broiler chicks. Methods: A total of 125 one-day-old Sasso broiler chicks were categorized into five equal groups (n = 25), each consisting of five replicates (n = 5 per replicate). G1-LE received a basal diet supplemented with LRE (3 g/kg); G2-ME received a basal diet containing maduramycin (0.5 g/kg); and G3-LME received a basal diet containing LRE and maduramicin together with the same rates. G4-E (positive control) and G5-N (negative control) received no additives in their feed. Birds in groups (G1-4) were challenged on day 14 of the experiment by orally intercropping a 1 ml suspension of Eimeria tenella sporulated oocysts. Results: Groups of birds fed on LRE and maduramicin separately or together appeared to be in good condition where no deaths or clinical abnormalities were observed, based on the analysis of clinicopathological examination. Compared with the G4-E positive control, the dropping scoring and oocyst shedding of groups G1-LE, G2-ME, and G3-LME along the 10th-day post-challenge (dpc), as well as macroscopic and microscopic lesions scoring at the 7th dpc, was considerably lower. The dual supplementation use of LRE and maduramicin in G3-LME's reduced the harmful effects of coccidian, which appeared only as a mononuclear cellular infiltration and a small number of oocysts invading the intestinal glands. Molecular docking revealed that LRE and maduramicin interacted with E. tenella DNA polymerase, E. tenella apical membrane antigen 1, and microneme protein binding sites resulting in reduced E. tenella replication and invasion. Conclusion: The inclusion of LRE and maduramicin, individually or in combination, in the diet might effectively mitigate the detrimental effects of coccidiosis.

Anthelmintic Activity of Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. Against Ascaridia galli, a Pathogenic Nematode in Poultry: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The growing resistance of helminth parasites to currently available commercial anthelmintic drugs, combined with apprehensions regarding detrimental chemical residues in livestock products, has sparked an interest in exploring medicinal plants as an alternative strategy for treating helminthiasis. As a result, this study was designed to investigate the anthelmintic activity of crude methanolic extracts (CME) of Saussurea costus root on Ascaridia.galli, a pathogenic nematode of poultry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro, the anthelmintic effect of Saussurea costus root was evaluated in comparison to commercial anthelmintic, levamisole on the adult nematode parasites, A.galli using worm motility inhibition (WMI) test. The CME of S.costus was also evaluated for in vivo anthelmintic activity in chickens experimentally infected with Ascaridia galli. For the in vivo study, one hundred-day-old chickens were orally infected with embryonated eggs of A. galli worms. The efficacy of the plant extract as an anthelmintic was assessed through two tests: faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test and worm count reduction (WCR) test. The study investigated three distinct doses of plant extract under in vivo setup: 500 mg kg-1 body weight (bw), 1000 mg kg-1 bw, and 2000 mg kg-1 bw. RESULTS: In vitro, all the tested concentrations of S.costus (25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml) showed a significant (P < 0.001) anthelmintic effects on live adult A. galli worms in terms of inhibition of worm motility at different hours post-treatment. At the highest concentration of the extract, we observed worm motility inhibition of 100% at 24 h post-exposure. On day 14 post-treatment, all birds were slaughtered, and adult A. galli worms were subsequently retrieved from their small intestines. Birds treated with CME extract of S. costus root exhibited a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in faecal egg count. However, the administration of the extract at the dosage of 500 mg kg-1bw to the birds did not reveal any significant (P > 0.05) differences in the worm count compared to the negative control group. The CME of S. costus at a dose of 2000 mg kg-1bw showed the highest anthelmintic activity by inducing 83.10% FECR and 76.47% WCR. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the root extract of S. costus has a promising anthelmintic activity on A. galli as demonstrated by the results of the present experiment.

Effects of in ovo injection of organic selenium on the hatchability of broiler breeder hen eggs and resulting chick physiology and performance.

BACKGROUND: Selenium is an essential mineral for poultry. The conflicting reports about its in ovo injection are the justification for the more detailed investigation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of in ovo injection of organic selenium on the hatching traits of broiler chickens and their performance. METHODS: Three hundred and twenty eggs of Ross 308 strain with an average weight of 65 g and 160 chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups (each with 8 replicates of 10 eggs each for hatching parameters and 4 replicates of 10 chicks for broiler farming parameters): negative control (no injection), positive control (in ovo injection of 0.272 mL of normal saline solution) and 2 selenium treatments (in ovo injection of 2.72 or 5.44 µg of organic selenium). Injection was into the amniotic sac on the 10th day of incubation. Effects of in ovo injection on hatching and performance traits, blood parameters, immune responses, carcass characteristics, meat fatty acid profile, cecal microbial population and selenium consternation in the tibia were measured. RESULTS: Fewer chicks from the injected treatments hatched than from the negative control group (p < 0.01). However, the injection of selenium increased feed intake and the final weight of the birds (p < 0.01). Blood parameters were also affected. Glucose and cholesterol in experimental treatment chicks was lower than those of the controls (p < 0.01), whereas blood lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL and HDL) and the ratio of cholesterol to HDL was significantly increased in the treatments injected with selenium (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the immune response or microbial population between the experimental groups, but carcass components, such as thigh, breast, wing and abdominal fat weight, were significantly greater in the selenium treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-egg injection of organic selenium produced favourable effects on performance of broiler chickens, although it had no effect on immune response or microbial population. However, the negative effect on hatching of chickens needs to be prevented to result in an acceptable economic return for the producer.

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins ameliorates osteoclastogenesis through reducing OPG/RANKL ratio in chicken's embryos.

Skeletal disorders can seriously threaten the health and the performance of poultry, such as tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) and osteoporosis (OP). Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) are naturally occurring polyphenolic flavonoid compounds that can be used as potential substances to improve the bone health and the growth performance of poultry. Eighty 7-day-old green-eggshell yellow feather layer chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups: basal diet and basal diet supplementation with 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg OPC. The results have indicated that the growth performance and bone parameters of chickens were significantly improved supplementation with OPC in vivo, including the bone volume (BV), the bone mineral density (BMD) and the activities of antioxidative enzymes, but ratio of osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) ligand (RANKL) was decreased. Furthermore, primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and bone marrow monocytes/macrophages (BMMs) were successfully isolated from femur and tibia of chickens, and co-cultured to differentiate into osteoclasts in vitro. The osteogenic differentiation derived from BMSCs was promoted treatment with high concentrations of OPC (10, 20, and 40 µmol/L) groups in vitro, but emerging the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by increasing the ratio of OPG/RANKL. In contrary, the osteogenic differentiation was also promoted treatment with low concentrations of OPC (2.5, 5, and 10 µmol/L) groups, but osteoclastogenesis was enhanced by decreasing the ratio of OPG/RANKL in vitro. In addition, OPG inhibits the differentiation and activity of osteoclasts by increasing the autophagy in vitro. Dietary supplementation of OPC can improve the growth performance of bone and alter the balance of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, thereby improving the bone health of chickens.

Effects of Artemisia absinthium on broiler chicken coccidiosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Coccidiosis is a recurring disease in broiler flocks that causes significant economic losses. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Artemisia absinthium on coccidiosis in broilers through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The article selection process included a search from the year 2000 to February 2021, with no restrictions on country or geographical region. Our objective was met by only six studies, which underwent systematic review. The meta-analysis was conducted using the metafor package in R via RStudio (version 1.1.383; RStudio, Inc.). The systematic review indicates that in vivo studies have shown the effectiveness of various plant extracts (essential oil and methanolic extract) when administered in food or drinking water on the considered parameters (oocyst shedding, bloody diarrhoea, mortality rate, weight gain, conversion index, lesion score). Furthermore, in vitro studies demonstrated a positive impact on oocyst count, LC50 (lethal concentration), sporulation rate (%), and sporulation inhibition rate (%). The meta-analysis of the four studies included in this analysis revealed that the inclusion of A. absinthium extract resulted in a significant reduction in oocyst shedding (SMD = -1.64, 95% CI: -2.72 to -0.55; P < 0.0001). However, the effectiveness of A. absinthium extract was not as significant as that of antibiotics (SMD = 0.57, 95% CI: -0.19 to 0.95; P = 0.0032). Various forms of administration and extracts of A. absinthium have demonstrated antiparasitic activity against Eimeria spp, making them suitable as natural anticoccidial agents.

Probiotic supplementation as an alternative to antibiotics in broiler chickens.

Introduction: The broiler chicken digestive tract microbiome maintains the bird's immunity. Its composition has been shown to be important not only for the immune system but also for the gastrointestinal function and productivity of broiler chickens. If the microbiome is populated by supplementation with Lactobacillus, Pediococcus and Saccharomyces spp. - microorganisms with probiotic properties and alternatives to antibiotics - the immune system is stimulated. The use of probiotic supplements in the broiler production cycle can boost bird immunity and prevent adenovirus infection. The resilience of broiler chickens in different feeding schemes including supplementation with these microorganisms was assessed. Material and Methods: Four groups of Ross 308 chickens vaccinated on the standard scheme were investigated over 42 days. Group P received probiotics, prebiotics and vitamins; group AO received antibiotics; group P&AO received probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins and antibiotics; and the control group C received none of these. The birds' immunocompetence against common viral poultry pathogens and their immune response to an experimental challenge with a field strain of infectious bronchitis was evaluated by ELISA and production parameters were recorded. Results: Mortality was only observed in the control group and was 10%. All birds from the P, P&AO and AO groups responded to the challenge as would be expected of appropriately immunised chickens. Conclusion: The obtained results indicated that supplementation with synbiotic products and vitamins can enhance broiler chicken immunity and result in better production parameters.

Protective effects of sodium humate and its zinc and selenium chelate on the oxidative stress, inflammatory, and intestinal barrier damage of Salmonella Typhimurium-challenged broiler chickens.

The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of dietary administration of sodium humate (HNa) and its zinc and selenium chelate (Zn/Se-HNa) in mitigating Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhi) induced intestinal injury in broiler chickens. Following the gavage of 109 CFU S. Typhi to 240 broilers from 21-d to 23-d aged, various growth performance parameters such as body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed ratio (FCR) were measured before and after infection. Intestinal morphology was assessed to determine the villus height, crypt depth, and chorionic cryptologic ratio. To evaluate intestinal barrier integrity, levels of serum diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactic acid, tight junction proteins, and the related genes were measured in each group of broilers. An analysis was conducted on inflammatory-related cytokines, oxidase activity, and Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) and Nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway-related proteins and mRNA expression. The results revealed a significant decrease in BW, ADG, and FCR in S. typhi-infected broilers. HNa tended to increase FCR (P = 0.056) while the supplementation of Zn/Se-HNa significantly restored BW and ADG (P < 0.05). HNa and Zn/Se-HNa exhibit favorable and comparable effects in enhancing the levels of serum DAO, D-lactate, and mRNA and protein expression of jejunum and ileal tight junction. In comparison to HNa, Zn/Se-HNa demonstrates a greater reduction in S. Typhi shedding in feces, as well as superior efficacy in enhancing the intestinal morphology, increasing serum catalase (CAT) activity, inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, and suppressing the activation of the NF-κB pathway. Collectively, Zn/Se-HNa was a more effective treatment than HNa to alleviate adverse impact of S. Typhi infection in broiler chickens.

Assessing and mitigating foodborne acetochlor exposure induced ileum toxicity in broiler chicks: The role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation and molecular pathways analysis.

Excessive acetochlor residues present ecological and food safety challenges. Here, broiler chicks were exposed to varied acetochlor doses to first assess its effects on the gut. Subsequent dietary supplementation with omega-3 was used to assess its anti-contamination effects. Pathologically, acetochlor induced notable ileal lesions including inflammation, barrier disruption, tight junction loss, and cellular anomalies. Mechanistically, acetochlor stimulated the TNFα/TNFR1 and TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways, promoting RIPK1/RIPK3 complex formation, MLKL phosphorylation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, Caspase-1 activation, and GSDMD shearing with inflammatory factor release. These mechanisms elucidate ileal cell death patterns essential for understanding chicken enteritis. Omega-3 supplementation showed promise in mitigating inflammation, though its precise counteractive role remains unclear. Our findings suggest early omega-3 intervention offered protective benefits against acetochlor's adverse intestinal effects, emphasizing its potential poultry health management role. Harnessing dietary interventions' therapeutic potential will be pivotal in ensuring sustainable poultry production and food safety despite persistent environmental contaminants.

Identification of Characteristic Bioactive Compounds in Silkie Chickens, Their Effects on Meat Quality, and Their Gene Regulatory Network.

Silkie chicken, an important chicken breed with high medicinal and nutritional value, has a long history of being used as a dietary supplement in China. However, the compounds with health-promoting effects in Silkie chickens remain unclear. In the present study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of metabolic and lipidomic profiles to identify the characteristic bioactive compounds in Silkie chickens, using a common chicken breed as control. The results showed that the levels of 13 metabolites including estradiol, four lipid subclasses including cardiolipin (CL), eight lipid molecules, and three fatty acids including docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6) were significantly increased in Silkie chickens, which have physiological activities such as resisting chronic diseases and improving cognition. These characteristic bioactive compounds have effects on meat quality characteristics, including improving its water-holding capacity and umami taste and increasing the content of aromatic compounds and phenols. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two chicken breeds revealed the regulatory network for these characteristic bioactive compounds. Fifteen DEGs, including HSD17B1, are involved in the synthesis of characteristic metabolites. Eleven DEGs, including ELOVL2, were involved in the synthesis and transport of characteristic lipids and fatty acids. In summary, we identified characteristic bioactive compounds in Silkie chickens, and analyzed their effects on meat quality characteristics. This study provided important insight into Silkie chicken meat as a functional food.

Effect of an immune challenge and two feed supplements on broiler chicken individual breast muscle protein synthesis rate.

Optimization of broiler chicken breast muscle protein accretion is key for the efficient production of poultry meat, whose demand is steadily increasing. In a context where antimicrobial growth promoters use is being restricted, it is important to find alternatives as well as to characterize the effect of immunological stress on broiler chicken's growth. Despite its importance, research on broiler chicken muscle protein dynamics has mostly been limited to the study of mixed protein turnover. The present study aims to characterize the effect of a bacterial challenge and the feed supplementation of citrus and cucumber extracts on broiler chicken individual breast muscle proteins fractional synthesis rates (FSR) using a recently developed dynamic proteomics pipeline. Twenty-one day-old broiler chickens were administered a single 2H2O dose before being culled at different timepoints. A total of 60 breast muscle protein extracts from five experimental groups (Unchallenged, Challenged, Control Diet, Diet 1 and Diet 2) were analysed using a DDA proteomics approach. Proteomics data was filtered in order to reliably calculate multiple proteins FSR making use of a newly developed bioinformatics pipeline. Broiler breast muscle proteins FSR uniformly decreased following a bacterial challenge, this change was judged significant for 15 individual proteins, the two major functional clusters identified as well as for mixed breast muscle protein. Citrus or cucumber extract feed supplementation did not show any effect on the breast muscle protein FSR of immunologically challenged broilers. The present study has identified potential predictive markers of breast muscle growth and provided new information on broiler chicken breast muscle protein synthesis which could be essential for improving the efficiency of broiler chicken meat production. SIGNIFICANCE: The present study constitutes the first dynamic proteomics study conducted in a farm animal species which has characterized FSR in a large number of proteins, establishing a precedent for biomarker discovery and assessment of health and growth status. Moreover, it has been evidenced that the decrease in broiler chicken breast muscle protein following an immune challenge is a coordinated event which seems to be the main cause of the decreased growth observed in these animals.

The biotic effects of lignite on humic acid components conversion during chicken manure composting.

Targeted regulation of composting to convert organic matter into humic acid (HA) holds significant importance in compost quality. Owing to its low carbon content, chicken manure compost often requires carbon supplements to promote the humification progress. The addition of lignite can increase HA content through biotic pathways, however, its structure was not explored. The Parallel factor analysis revealed that lignite can significantly increase the complexity of highly humified components. The lignite addition improved phenol oxidase activity, particularly laccase, during the thermophilic and cooling phases. The abundance and transformation functions of core bacteria also indicated that lignite addition can influence the activity of microbial transformation of HA components. The structural equation model further confirmed that lignite addition had a direct and indirect impact on enhancing the complexity of HA components through core bacteria and phenol oxidase. Therefore, lignite addition can improve HA structure complexity during composting through biotic pathways.

Effect of vegetable oils on the thermal gel properties of PSE-like chicken breast meat protein isolate-based emulsion gels.

To enhance the gel properties of PSE (pale, soft, and exudative)-like chicken meat protein isolate (PPI), the effect of peanut, corn, soybean, and sunflower oils on the gel properties of PPI emulsion gels was investigated. Vegetable oils improved emulsion stability and gel strength and enhanced viscosity and elasticity. The gel strength of the PPI-sunflower oil emulsion gel increased by 163.30 %. The thermal denaturation temperature and enthalpy values were increased. They decreased the particle size of PPI emulsion (P < 0.05) and changed the three-dimensional network structure of PPI emulsion gels from reticular to sheet with a smooth surface and pore-reduced lamellar. They elevated the content of immobile water PPI emulsion gels, decreased the α-helix and ß-turn, and increased the ß-sheet and random coil. Vegetable oil improved the gel properties of PPI in the following order: sunflower oil > soybean oil > corn oil ≈ peanut oil > control group.

Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz alleviates LPS-induced proliferation, differentiation inhibition and excessive apoptosis in chicken embryonic myogenic cells.

BACKGROUND: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can induce systemic inflammation and affect the growth and development of poultry. As a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) can effectively improve the growth performance of animals and improve the immunity of animal bodies. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of PAMK on LPS-induced inflammatory response, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of chicken embryonic myogenic cells. METHODS: We used chicken embryonic myogenic cells as a model by detecting EdU/MYHC immunofluorescence, the expression of inflammation, proliferation, differentiation-related genes and proteins and the number of apoptotic cells in the condition of adding LPS, PAMK, belnacasan (an inhibitor of Caspase1) or their combinations. RESULTS: The results showed that LPS stimulation increased the expression of inflammatory factors, inhibited proliferation and differentiation, and excessive apoptosis in chicken embryonic myogenic cells, and PAMK alleviated these adverse effects induced by LPS. After the addition of belnacasan (inhibitor of Caspase1), apoptosis in myogenic cells was inhibited, and therefore, the number of apoptotic cells and the expression of pro-apoptotic genes Caspase1 and Caspase3 were increased. In addition, belnacasan inhibited the increased expression of inflammatory factors, inhibited proliferation, differentiation and excessive apoptosis in chicken embryonic myogenic cells induced by LPS. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a theoretical basis for further exploring the mechanism of action of PAMK and exogenous LPS on chicken embryonic myogenic cells and lays the foundation for the development and application of green feed additives in animal husbandry industry.

Feather meal processing methods impact the production parameters, blood biochemical indices, gut function, and hepatic enzyme activity in broilers.

This study investigated the effects of feather meal (FM) processing methods on production parameters, blood biochemical indices, intestinal morphology, digestive and hepatic enzyme activities, and gastrointestinal tract pH and microflora of broilers. A total of 480-d-old male broilers were used for 42 d in a completely randomized design with eight treatments and five replicates (12 chicks/replicate). Treatments were 1) a control diet (without FM), 2) a diet containing 4% raw FM (RFM), 3) a diet containing 4% processed FM (PFM) by autoclave (Au-PFM), 4) a diet containing 4% fermented FM (FFM) by Bacillus licheniformis (Bl-FFM), 5) a diet containing 4% FFM by Bacillus subtilis (Bs-FFM), 6) a diet containing 4% FFM by Aspergillus niger (An-FFM), 7) a diet containing 4% FFM by B. licheniformis + B. subtilis + A. niger (Co-FFM), and 8) a diet containing 4% PFM by an enzyme (En-PFM). Results showed that in the FFMs the contents of ash, ether extract, total volatile nitrogen, and amino acids including Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, His, Leu, Gly, Ile, Phe, and Tyr increased (P < 0.05), while crude fiber, crude protein, and dry matter content decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the control, the Co-FFM diet had no significant differences (P > 0.05) in total body weight gain (2,827 vs. 2,791 g/chick), total feed intake (5,018 vs. 4,991 g/chick), European production efficiency factor (375 vs. 377), European Broiler Index (371 vs. 371), and feed conversion ratio (1.77 vs. 1.78 g/g). Feeding FFM decreased (P < 0.05) serum total cholesterol (1.46-fold), triglyceride (1.61-fold), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.61-fold), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2.27-fold) compared to the control. Also, FFM increased (P < 0.05) villus height (1,045 to 1,351, 661 to 854, and 523 to 620 µm), and villus height to crypt depth ratio (6.15 to 8.45, 4.55 to 7.04, and 4.27 to 5.45), in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, respectively, compared to the control. Compared to the control, the Co-FFM diet increased (P < 0.05) protease (34, 39, and 45 %) in the pancreas, duodenum, and jejunum, as well as amylase (73, and 97 %) activities in the duodenum, and jejunum, respectively. Diets containing FFM reduced (P < 0.05) pH in the crop, gizzard, and ileum, and decreased (P < 0.05) Escherichia coli (6.12 to 5.70) count in ileum compared to the control. The Co-FFM diet increased (P < 0.05) lactic acid bacteria count in crop (6.77 to 7.50) and ileum (6.94 to 7.73), also decreased (P < 0.05) coliforms (6.31 to 5.75) count in ileum compared to the control. In conclusion, FM fermentation, particularly Co-FFM, improves the nutritional value of FM, converting it into a decent source of dietary protein for broilers.

Fermentation represents an attractive alternative method for feather meal (FM) efficient bioconversion and its nutritional value enhancement. This study investigated the effects of FM processing methods on broilers. Experimental diets were 1) a control diet (without FM), 2) a diet containing 4% raw FM (RFM), 3) a diet containing 4% processed FM (PFM) by autoclave (Au-PFM), 4) a diet containing 4% fermented FM (FFM) by Bacillus licheniformis (Bl-FFM), 5) a diet containing 4% FFM by Bacillus subtilis (Bs-FFM), 6) a diet containing 4% FFM by Aspergillus niger (An-FFM), 7) a diet containing 4% FFM by B. licheniformis + B. subtilis + A. niger (Co-FFM), and 8) a diet containing 4% PFM by an enzyme (En-PFM). Results showed that FFMs increased the contents of ash, ether extract, total volatile nitrogen, and amino acids including Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, His, Leu, Gly, Ile, Phe, and Tyr, while decreased crude fiber, crude protein, and dry matter content. The production parameters of birds fed Co-FFM were similar to the control group. In addition, FFMs decreased serum total cholesterol (1.46-fold), triglyceride (1.61-fold), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.61-fold), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2.27-fold). Furthermore, Co-FFM improved intestinal morphology, enzyme activities, and beneficial bacterial populations. In conclusion, Co-FFM, improves the nutritional value of FM, converting it into a decent source of dietary protein for broilers.

Hepatoprotective and cardioprotective effect of Artemisia nilagirica leaf extract on E. coli challenged broiler chicken.

Artemisia nilagirica is an important medicinal plant found to exhibit several medicinal properties but the use of its leaves for combating E. coli infection has not been scientifically validated in poultry. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of methanol leaf extract of A. nilagirica (ANE) on E. coli challenged broiler chickens. Three hundred and thirty, day-old broiler chickens, were divided into 6 groups of 55 each, with group EX infected intraperitoneally (I/P) with LD50 dose of 1 × 107 cfu/ml of E. coli; group(s) EA1, EA2 and EA3 infected I/P with 1 × 107 cfu/ml of E. coli and supplemented with ANE @ 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/L of drinking water, respectively; group AX were only given ANE @ 2.0 g/L in the drinking water. ANE treatment was started from day 4 and was continuously given in the drinking water up to day 21. E. coli infection was given to the birds on day 7 of their age. The effect of the plant extract was evaluated on the basis of gross, microscopic and ultrastructural alterations in E. coli challenged broiler chickens. The extract of A. nilagirica was found to show antibacterial, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective properties in a dose-dependent manner on the basis of gross and microscopic examination. The methanol extract of A. nilagirica leaves revealed no toxic effect on the hepatocytes on ultrastructural evaluation. This study demonstrates the antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and cardioprotective activities of ANE in broiler chickens infected with E. coli organism.

Proteome and Peptidome Changes and Zn Concentration in Chicken after In Ovo Stimulation with a Multi-Strain Probiotic and Zn-Gly Chelate: Preliminary Research.

The aim of the study was to determine differences in the proteome and peptidome and zinc concentrations in the serum and tissues of chickens supplemented with a multi-strain probiotic and/or zinc glycine chelate in ovo. A total of 1400 fertilized broiler eggs (Ross × Ross 708) were divided into four groups: a control and experimental groups injected with a multi-strain probiotic, with zinc glycine chelate, and with the multi-strain probiotic and zinc glycine chelate. The proteome and peptidome were analyzed using SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF MS, and the zinc concentration was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. We showed that in ovo supplementation with zinc glycine chelate increased the Zn concentration in the serum and yolk sac at 12 h post-hatch. The results of SDS-PAGE and western blot confirmed the presence of Cu/Zn SOD in the liver and in the small and large intestines at 12 h and at 7 days after hatching in all groups. Analysis of the MALDI-TOF MS spectra of chicken tissues showed in all experimental groups the expression of proteins and peptides that regulate immune response, metabolic processes, growth, development, and reproduction.

Growth performance, organs weight, intestinal histomorphology, and oocyst shedding in broiler chickens offered novel single strain Bacillus subtilis isolated from camel dung and challenged with Eimeria.

We evaluated a single strain Bacillus subtilis BS-9 direct-fed microbial (BSDFM) isolated from camel dung in Eimeria challenged broiler chickens. Seven-hundred d-old Ross 708 male chicks were placed in pens (25 birds/pen) and allocated to 2 treatments (n = 14). From d 0 to 13, control pens received untreated water (-BSDFM), and 2 treated pens received water and 2 mL x 108 colony forming unit/bird/d (+BSDFM); daily water intake (WI) was recorded. On d 9, birds in half (+Eimeria) of pens per treatment received of 1 mL of Eimeria maxima and Eimeria acervulina oocysts orally, and the other half (-Eimeria) sterile saline solution. Birds had ad libitum access to feed and a water line from d 14. Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW) and mortality were recorded for calculating BW gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). On d 14 and 35, samples of birds were necropsied for organ weight and intestinal measurements. Excreta samples were collected from d 14 to 19 for oocyst count. There was no treatment effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance or WI on d 0 to 9. There were interactions between BSDFM and Eimeria on d 19 (P = 0.014) and 29 (P = 0.036) BW with unchallenged +BSDFM birds being heavier than birds in the other treatments. The main effects (P < 0.05) on d 10 to 35 FI, BW, and BWG were such that +BSDFM increased and Eimeria decreased (P < 0.01) these parameters. There was interaction (P = 0.022) between BSDFM and Eimeria on d 10 to 35 FCR such that the FCR of challenged -BSDFM birds was poor than that of unchallenged counterparts, but none differed with +BSDFM birds. There was an interaction (P = 0.039) between BSDFM and Eimeria on d 14 bursa weight with challenged birds exhibiting heavier bursa than unchallenged +BSDFM birds. Eimeria reduced (P = 0.01) and BSDFM (P = 0.002) increased the villi height to crypt depth ratio. Results showed that BSDFM supplementation via water can support the growth performance of broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria and may be a strategy to reduce adverse effects of coccidiosis.

Comparative effects of dietary herbal mixture or guanidinoacetic acid supplementation on growth performance, cecal microbiota, blood profile, excreta gas emission, and meat quality in Hanhyup-3-ho chicken.

Phytogenic feed additives are renowned for their growth promotion, gut health enhancement, and disease prevention properties, which is important factors for sustaining prolonged poultry rearing. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of herbal mixture (mixture of ginseng and artichoke) or guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on growth performance, cecal microbiota, excretal gas emission, blood profile, and meat quality in Hanhyup-3-ho chicken. A total of 360 one-day-old chickens (half males and half females) were allocated into one of 3 dietary treatments (12 replicate cages/treatment; 10 broilers/replicate cage) for 100 d of age. Experimental diets were CON: basal diet; TRT1: basal diet combined with 0.05% herbal mixture; and TRT2: basal diet combined with 0.06% GAA. All birds received a basal diet during the first 30 d, but from d 31 to 100, an experimental diet was supplied. The addition of 0.05% herbal mixture improved the average body weight gain and feed conversion ratio from d 31 to 100 as well as the overall experimental period. The cecal Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella count remained consistent across all dietary treatments. Blood albumin and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) levels increased in the herbal mixture supplemented diet. Additionally, there was a notable reduction in excretal NH3 and H2S emissions in the herbal mixture group. Furthermore, the herbal mixture group exhibited increased breast muscle weight, improved breast muscle color, improved water holding capacity, and a decrease in abdominal fat compared to the control group. Additionally, the supplementation of 0.06% GAA did not demonstrate any statistically significant impact on any evaluated parameter throughout the experiment. The results from the present investigation underscore the potential of ginseng together with artichoke extract supplementation as a viable feed additive, conferring improvements in growth performance, feed efficiency, excreta gas emission, meat quality parameters, and defense mechanism against oxidative stress in Hanhyup-3-ho chicken.