Expression of chicken epidermal growth factor (cEGF) in Escherichia coli regulates the microflora structure of the duodenum to improve growth performance and intestinal morphogenesis in broilers.

1. A study used gene synthesis to obtain the functional domains of chicken epidermal growth factor (cEGF) and examined their impact on broiler growth performance, small intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities in the intestinal contents and the structure of duodenal microflora.2. The pET-32a-cEGF recombinant expression vector was constructed. The specific band at 26 KDa was shown by SDS-PAGE analysis and WB results. The purified protein content was shown to be 1687 µg/ml by assay.3. A total of 180 healthy, one-day-old Arbor Acres male, white-feathered broilers were randomly divided into three dietary treatment groups (six replicate pens, 10 birds per replicate): A control diet (ND); cEGF diet (cEGF), control supplemented with 250 mg/kg cEGF and the control diet (CD) supplemented with 250 mg/kg chlortetracycline.4. The results showed that feeding the cEGF and CD diet reduced FCR of broilers aged 1-21 d, average daily feed intake (ADFI) at 22-42 d, and the FCR in the whole period (1-42 d; p < 0.05). Compared with the ND group, the cEGF diet increased duodenal α-amylase and alkaline phosphatase activities in the 1-21 d, duodenal lipase, alkaline phosphatase, and ileal alkaline phosphatase activities in the post-period and increased villus height in the duodenum and ileum (p < 0.05). In addition, the ACE and Chao1 index for the birds fed cEGF were higher than the ND group (p < 0.05). At the phyla level, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were dominant in all groups. At the genus level, the dominant genus was Lactobacillus. The LEfSe analysis showed that the cEGF group was enriched by 11 species including Brevibacillus, Eisenbergiella, Cloacibacterium, Butyricoccus spp.5. The addition of 250 mg/kg cEGF to the diet can increase growth performance by improving intestinal development and digestive enzyme activity, which may be related to the duodenal intestinal microflora. Therefore, cEGF is an effective alternative to antibiotics in broiler farming.

Interactions between enzyme preparations and trace element sources on growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chicks.

This experiment was conducted to explore the interactions between enzyme preparations and trace element sources on growth performance and intestinal health of broilers chicks. A total of 480 one-day-old healthy male yellow-feather broilers with similar weight were randomly arranged in a 2  ×  2 factorial design with 2 kinds of compound trace element sources (inorganic [I] and organic [O] trace element supplemented with 80, 8, 60, 40, 0.15 mg/kg of Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Se, respectively) and 2 levels of enzyme preparations (0 and 200 mg/kg). The 4 groups named I, O, IE, and OE with 6 replicates and 20 birds per replicate. The trail lasted for 28 days. Results showed that the average weight (ABW), average daily gain (ADG) of broilers in IE and OE groups significantly increased while the F/G significantly decreased as compared with group I and O (P < 0.05). Enzyme preparation supplementation, regardless of the trace element sources, significantly increased the duodenal and jejunal endogenous enzyme (e.g., Try and AACT) activity, and improved the morphology and jejunal barrier function evidenced by the increased villus height and MUC-2 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Sequencing data manifested that enzyme preparations favorably modulated the cecal microflora by increasing bacterial diversity and abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (e.g., Anaerostipes, Anaerofusis, and Pygmaioactor), while decreasing the abundance of harmful bacteria (e.g., Desulfovibrio). Factorial analysis indicated that there were no interactions between enzyme preparation and trace element sources on growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chicks. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with enzyme preparations, regardless of the trace element sources, could enhance endogenous enzyme activity, improve intestinal morphology and barrier functions, and favorably modulate the cecal microflora, thereby improving the intestinal health and growth performance of broiler chicks.

Factors influencing the development of gastrointestinal tract and nutrient transporters' function during the embryonic life of chickens-A review.

Intestinal morphology and regulation of nutrient transportation genes during the embryonic and early life of chicks influence their body weight and feed conversion ratio through the growing period. The intestine development can be monitored by measuring villus morphology and enzymatic activity and determining the expression of nutrient transporters genes. With the increasing importance of gut development and health in broiler production, considerable research has been directed towards factors affecting intestine development. Thus, this article reviews (1) intestinal development during embryogenesis, and (2) maternal factors, in ovo administration, and incubation conditions that influence intestinal development during embryogenesis. Conclusively, (1) chicks from heavier eggs may have a better-developed intestine than chicks from younger ones, (2) in ovo supplementation with amino acids, minerals, vitamins or a combination of several probiotics and prebiotics stimulates intestine development and increases the expression of intestine mucosal-related genes and (3) the long storage period, improper incubation temperature and imbalanced ventilation can negatively influence intestinal morphology and nutrient transporters gene expression. Finally, understanding the intestine development during embryonic life will enable us to enhance the productivity of broilers.

Exploration of Zingiber officinale effects on growth performance, immunity and gut morphology in broilers / Exploração dos efeitos do Zingiber officinale no desempenho de crescimento, imunidade e morfologia intestinal em frangos de corte

The current study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of Zingiber officinale as a herbal feed additive on growth performance, carcass characteristic, serum biochemistry, total bacterial count (TBC), gut morphology, and immunological parameters of broilers. A total of 1500, day-old broiler chicks (Hubbard) were equally accredited to five treatment groups, each with six replicates (50 birds/replicate). Five experimental diets were prepared using basal diet i.e. with antibiotics positive control (PC), 3 g/kg ginger (group A), 6 g/kg ginger (group B), 9 g/kg ginger (group C) and without antibiotics negative control (NC). Group A and C showed significantly (p<0.05) higher feed intake (FI) as compared to other groups. Group C showed significantly (p<0.05) lower Total bacterial count (TBC) followed by group B as compared to NC. Carcass characteristics showed non-significant effects among different treatments. Mean villi length and width were significantly (p <0.05) higher in all ginger supplemented groups as compared to the control groups. Blood serum parameters including cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoproteins (LDL) were significantly (p<0.05) lower in groups B and C in comparison with the control groups. Whereas high-density lipoproteins (HDL) was significantly higher in group B as compared to the others. In conclusion, ginger supplementation @0.6% in the basal diet significantly improved growth performance and gut morphometry of broilers. It also showed a positive impact on cholesterol, triglycerides and gut microbes. Therefore, ginger could be a better substitute for antibiotic growth promoters.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de Zingiber officinale como aditivo à base de plantas medicinais sobre o desempenho de crescimento, características da carcaça, bioquímica sérica, contagem bacteriana total (CBT), morfologia intestinal e parâmetros imunológicos de frangos de corte. Um total de 1.500 pintos de corte de um dia de idade (Hubbard) foram igualmente credenciados em cinco grupos de tratamento, cada um com seis repetições (50 aves/repetição). Cinco dietas experimentais foram preparadas usando dieta basal, ou seja, com controle positivo de antibióticos (PC), 3 g/kg de gengibre (grupo A), 6 g/kg de gengibre (grupo B), 9 g/kg de gengibre (grupo C) e sem controle negativo de antibióticos (NC). Os grupos A e C apresentaram consumo de ração (FI) significativamente (p < 0,05) maior do que os outros grupos. O grupo C apresentou contagem bacteriana total (CBT) significativamente menor (p < 0,05) seguido pelo grupo B em comparação com o NC. As características da carcaça apresentaram efeitos não significativos entre os diferentes tratamentos. O comprimento e largura médios das vilosidades foram significativamente (p < 0,05) maiores em todos os grupos suplementados com gengibre em comparação com os grupos de controle. Os parâmetros séricos do sangue, incluindo colesterol, triglicerídeos e lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL), foram significativamente (p < 0,05) menores nos grupos B e C em comparação com os grupos controle. Enquanto as lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL) foram significativamente maiores no grupo B em comparação com os outros. Em conclusão, a suplementação de gengibre a 0,6% na dieta basal melhorou significativamente o desempenho de crescimento e a morfometria intestinal de frangos de corte. Ele também mostrou um impacto positivo sobre o colesterol, triglicerídeos e micróbios intestinais. Portanto, o gengibre pode ser um substituto melhor para os promotores de crescimento com antibióticos.

Modulation of intestinal morphology and microbiota by dietary Macleaya cordata extract supplementation in Xuefeng Black-boned Chicken.

Antibiotics are commonly overused to prevent livestock from diseases and to increase production performance. As potential substitutes of antibiotics, plant extracts have attracted the attention of researchers. It was known to all that addition of Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) to the food could advance immunity, intestinal health and animal performance. Thus, it was conducted to investigate the influence of MCE (0, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg, with six replicate pens/treatment and 24 hens/pen) on intestinal morphology and microbial diversity in different intestinal segments in Xuefeng black-boned chicken in this study. The results showed that MCE supplement (100, 150 and 200 mg/kg) significantly diminished (P < 0.05) the crypt depth of the jejunum as compared to basal diet group. The 100 mg/kg group displayed a marked increase (P < 0.05), compared with 0 and 200 mg/kg group, in ileum microbial diversity as represented by the Shannon's index. In the cecum, treatment of MCE significantly decreased (P < 0.01) the Firmicutes, but Deferribacteres in 200 mg/kg MCE group were significantly raised (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we found that MCE improved intestinal morphology and reduced the crypt depth in jejunum. Together, addition of 200 mg/kg MCE modulated intestinal microbiota, increased beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus. Adding 100 mg/kg MCE to diet increased bacterial community diversity and relative abundance in jejunum and ileum, but had no effect on cecum microbial diversity.

Association between productive parameters and intestinal histomorphological findings in broilers supplemented with probiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis) / Asociación entre parámetros productivos y hallazgos histomorfológicos en pollos de engorde suplementados con probióticos (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus acidophilus y Bacillus subtilis)

SUMMARY: This study evaluates the effect of probiotics Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis on production parameters and intestinal histomorphology of broilers of 45 days of age. Eleven 45-day-old Ross 500 broilers were used and classified as control group (CG) (n = 5) or supplemented with probiotics group (n = 8). Histopathological evaluation of duodenum, ileum, and jejunum was performed. The area of the villi height, base and apex were evaluated as well as the size and number of crypts. In addition, mucus production was quantified in different portions of the small intestine. The villi present duodenum of broilers supplemented with probiotics had a greater area (p = 0.0127), a greater basal width (p = 0.0049) and a greater apical width (p = 0.0024), as well as a greater crypt area (p = 0.0189). Significantly higher levels of mucus were noted in the duodenum (p = 0.0480) and jejunum (p = 0.0480) of broilers supplemented with probiotics. We suggest that probiotic supplementation improve the intestinal nutrients absorption.

RESUMEN: Este estudio evalúa el efecto del uso de probióticos como: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis en parámetros productivos e histomorfologia intestinal de pollos de engorde de 45 días de edad. Fueron usados 11, los cuales fueron clasificados en grupo control (CG) (n = 5) y grupo suplementado con probióticos (PG) (n = 8). Fue realizado análisis histopatológico de secciones de duodeno, íleon y yeyuno. Fue evaluado ancho, altura y área del ápice de la vellosidad, área y número de criptas. Además, fue estimada la producción de moco en los diferentes segmentos del intestino delgado. Fue observada mayor área de la vellosidad en duodeno, PG (p = 0.0127), ancho basal mayor en PG (p = 0.0049) ancho apical mayor en PG (p = 0.0024), así como mayor área de criptas en PG (p = 0.0189). No fueron encontradas diferencias significativas respecto a los segmentos de yeyuno e íleon. PG presentó mayor producción de moco en duodeno (p = 0.0480) y en yeyuno (p = 0.0480). Concluimos que la suplementación con probióticos en pollos de engorde genera cambios en la histomorfologia intestinal, evidenciables en áreas apicales y basales de las vellosidades intestinales. Soporte financiero: Dirección General de Investigaciones - Universidad de los Llanos.

Gut immune-related gene expression, histomorphometry and hematoimmunological assays in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed Aspergillus oryzae fermented olive cake.

Fermentation strategy is well documented to improve the nutritional value of agricultural waste by-products such olive cake (OC), which, in turn, provides healthy, safe, and affordable feedstuff. This study assessed the combined impact of Aspergillus oryzae-fermented OC (AFOC) on the growth performance, intestinal morphometry, blood biochemistry, lysozyme activity, gut immune-related genes, and flesh quality of Nile tilapia. We divided 225 fish into five groups and further subdivided into three replicates (n = 15 each) and fed them five diets (Control, AFOC5, AFOC10, AFOC15, AFOC20) to determine AFOC nutritional value and its optimized incorporation level in the diet. The trial continued for 3 months. The crude protein content of OC improved by 7.77% after A. oryzae fermentation, while lipid content decreased by 14.19%. In addition, growth and feed utilization significantly improved at (10.8-11.2) % AFOC dietary level. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) significantly improved, and the serum lysozyme level was significantly higher in the AFOC10 group compared to other groups. Interestingly, gut-related inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) revealed higher relative mRNA expression in the AFOC10 group compared to other groups. The histomorphometric parameters was greatly influenced by the AFOC incorporation level (10%-20%). These findings suggested that A. orzae fermentation modifies the nutritional quality of OC, as seen through its positive impact on the growth performance, local and systemic immunity, and intestinal absorptive capacity of Nile tilapia. The recommended dose for dietary AFOC was around 11.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract improves growth, intestinal histomorphometry, immunity, antioxidant status and modulates transcription of cytokine genes in hapa-reared Oreochromis niloticus.

This study was designed to evaluate the impacts of dietary supplementation with Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBL) on the growth, intestinal histomorphometry, immunity, antioxidant status, and expression of cytokine genes in Nile tilapia reared in the hapas. A control diet was enriched with different GBL levels (0.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 9.0 g/kg) to form 4 experimental diets and were fed to Nile tilapia for 8 weeks. The findings illustrated that dietary GBL significantly enhanced the growth and feed utilization indices compared to those reared in the control group. A dose-dependent increase of hepatic catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities alongside a decline of hepatic malondialdehyde levels were recorded in GBL groups compared with the control. Serum lysozyme activity, complement C3, and immunoglobulin M levels were significantly increased in GBL groups compared with the control group. Moreover, dietary GBL maintained the normal intestinal and hepatopancreatic histological structures with a significant increase of some histomorphometric measurements of proximal, middle, and distal intestinal parts of the treated fish. Interestingly, dietary GBL supplementation significantly increased the mRNA expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (INF-γ) genes in the splenic tissues of treated fish over the control group. To conclude, it could be recommended to use GBL as a functional phytogenic feed additive to improve the growth, hepatic and intestinal health status, hepatic antioxidant status, and immunity of treated Nile tilapia. Besides, the second order polynomial regression revealed that 7.50 g GBL/kg diet is the optimal inclusion level to improve growth with no negative impacts on the overall health condition of treated Nile tilapia.

The influence of coconut oil on the growth, immune, and antioxidative responses and the intestinal digestive enzymes and histomorphometry features of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The trials of finding non-conventional and alternative aquafeed ingredients are increasing. In this sense, this study evaluated the influence of coconut oil on the growth, feed utilization, immune, and antioxidative responses of Nile tilapia. Five test diets were formulated by mixing coconut oil with the other ingredients at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4% of the total ration and presented for tilapia for 60 successive days. The final weight, SGR, weight gain (WG), and feed intake were superior in fish delivered 2% of coconut oil (P < 0.05). Concurrently, fish that received 2% coconut oil had lower FCR and higher PER than fish of the control and 4% groups (P < 0.05). Higher lipase activity was observed in fish of 2% and 3% levels than the remaining groups (P < 0.05). Besides, the amylase and protease activities of fish in 1%, 2%, and 3% groups were higher than the 0% level (P < 0.05). The total blood cholesterol, RBCs, and PCV showed higher values in Nile tilapia fed 2% and 3% coconut oil (P < 0.05). The lysozyme and phagocytic activities were higher in fish fed 2% and 3% levels than the control (P < 0.05), while the phagocytic index in 2% and 3% levels was higher than 0% and 4% levels. Furthermore, SOD and CAT were higher in fish fed 1%, 2%, and 3% than fish fed 0% and 4% levels while GSH was higher in fish of 1%, 2%, and 3% than fish fed 0% level (P < 0.05). However, the MDA level was markedly lower in fish fed 25, 3%, and 4% coconut oil than the 0% level (P < 0.05). The intestine's histological structure in all groups appeared normal, forming of intestinal villi projecting from the intestinal wall. Also, the structure of the hepatopancreas had a normal architecture in all groups. To sum up, the inclusion of coconut oil at 2 to 3% is recommended as a replacer for fish oil in Nile tilapia diets.

Effect of moringa leaf powder and agave inulin on performance, intestinal morphology, and meat yield of broiler chickens.

The addition prebiotics in broiler diets can benefit digestion and nutrient abortion. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of moringa leaf powder and agave inulin on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and slaughter traits of broiler chickens over 40 d of grow-out. A total of 280 broilers (Ross 308) aged 1 d were randomly allocated to 4 treatments, with 7 replicates each and 10 chicks per replicate: T1 = control diet, T2 = control diet with 15 g/kg of moringa leaf powder, T3 = control diet with 15 g/kg of agave inulin, and T4 = control diet with 15 g/kg of moringa leaf powder and 15 g/kg of agave inulin. The results showed that analysis of treatments at time were not different (P > 0.05) for broiler weights, feed and water intake, and weight gain. Treatment was significant (P < 0.05) for feed efficiency at 22 to 40 d; the T4 group presented higher (P < 0.05) values, and the T1 group presented lower (P < 0.05) values. However, the villus lengths of intestinal sections were different (P < 0.05) among treatments. In the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, villus lengths were highest (P < 0.05) in the T2 group and lowest (P < 0.05) in the T3 and T4 groups. Villus widths in the duodenum and ileum were highest (P < 0.05) in the T2 group, but the T1 group showed highest (P < 0.05) values in the jejunum sections. The T3 and T4 groups showed lowest (P < 0.05) values in villus width in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Thigh yield was highest (P < 0.05) in the T2 group and lowest (P < 0.05) in the T4 group. The T1 group exhibited the highest (P < 0.05) piece yields for leg, wing, and hip-back. The T4 group showed lowest (P < 0.05) leg and wing yields. Moringa leaf powder and agave inulin at a concentration of 15 g/kg in diets did not affect broiler performance, whereas moringa leaf powder improved intestinal morphology and thigh yield, and agave inulin improved leg yield. The results demonstrated benefits of these 2 feed additives to improve intestine health and meat yield in broilers over a 40-day grow-out.

Effects of magnolol on egg production, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of laying hens in the late phase of the laying cycle.

Magnolol is a multifunctional plant polyphenol. To evaluate the effects of magnolol on laying hens in the late laying period, 360 (50-week-old) laying hens were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: a non-supplemented control diet (C), and control diets supplemented with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of magnolol (M100, M200, and M300), respectively. Each treatment had 6 replicates with 15 hens per replicate. Results showed that dietary supplementation of 200 and 300 mg/kg of magnolol increased the laying rate and the M200 group had a lower feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). Magnolol supplementation (200 and 300 mg/kg) could linearly increase albumen height and Haugh unit of fresh eggs in the late phase of the laying cycle (P < 0.01). And magnolol linearly alleviated the decline of the albumen height and Haugh unit of eggs stored for 14 d (P < 0.01). The total superoxide dismutase activity in the ovaries of M100 group was greater than that in the other treatments (P < 0.05). As dietary magnolol levels increased, villus height of jejunum and ileum linearly increased (P < 0.01). M200 and M300 groups had higher expression level of occludin in the ileum compared with group C (P < 0.01). The level of nitric oxide production and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in the ileum of M200 group were lower than that in the C group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 200 and 300 mg/kg magnolol can improve hen performance, albumen quality of fresh and storage eggs, and hepatic lipid metabolism in the late laying cycle. Also, magnolol has a good effect on increasing villi and improving the intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier function.

Changes in the growth, ileal digestibility, intestinal histology, behavior, fatty acid composition of the breast muscles, and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chickens by dietary inclusion of safflower oil and vitamin C.

BACKGROUND: The effects of safflower oil and vitamin C (Vit. C) inclusion in broiler chicken diets on the growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility coefficient "AID%" of amino acids, intestinal histology, behavior, carcass traits, fatty acid composition of the breast muscle, antioxidant and immune status for a 35-day feeding period were evaluated. A total of 300 three-day-old Ross chicks (58.25 g ± 0.19) were randomly allotted in a 2 × 3 factorial design consisting of two levels of vitamin C (0 and 400 mg/kg diet) and three levels of safflower oil (0, 5, and 10 g/kg diet). RESULTS: An increase in the final body weight, total body weight gain, total feed intake, and the relative growth rate (P <  0.05) were reported by safflower oil and vitamin C inclusion. Dietary supplementation of safflower oil and vitamin C had a positive effect (P <  0.05) on the ingestive, resting, and feather preening behavior. Vitamin C supplementation increased (P <  0.05) the AID% of lysine, threonine, tryptophan, arginine, and valine. Safflower inclusion (10 g/kg) increased (P <  0.05) the AID% of methionine and isoleucine. Safflower oil inclusion increased (P <  0.05) the levels of stearic acid, linoleic acid, saturated fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3) in the breast muscle. In contrast, the supplementation of only 10 g of safflower oil/kg diet increased (P = 0.01) the omega-3/omega-6 (ω-3/ω-6) fatty acids ratio. Vit. C supplementation increased (P <  0.05) the CAT serum levels, SOD, and GSH enzymes. Dietary supplementation of safflower oil and vitamin C improved the intestinal histology. They increased the villous height and width, crypt depth, villous height/crypt depth ratio, mucosal thickness, goblet cell count, and intra-epithelium lymphocytic lick cell infiltrations. The serum levels of IgA and complement C3 were increased (P <  0.01) by Vit. C supplementation and prominent in the 400 vit. C +  10 safflower Oil group. CONCLUSION: A dietary combination of safflower oil and vitamin C resulted in improved growth rate, amino acids AID%, intestinal histology, welfare, immune and antioxidant status of birds, and obtaining ω-3 and linoleic acid-enriched breast muscles. The best inclusion level was 400 vit. C +  10 safflower Oil.

Exogenous phytase and xylanase supplementation of formulated diets for rohu (Labeo rohita): impact on haematology, histology and IGF I gene expression.

The present study aims to delineate the effect of exogenous enzyme supplementation of fermented or non-fermented de-oiled rice bran (DORB) on haematology, histology and expression of IGF I gene expression of Labeo rohita. Four test diets, namely, T1 (DORB), T2 (fermented DORB), T3 (DORB+exogenous enzyme) and T4 (fermented DORB+exogenous enzyme) were formulated and fed to the L. rohita for a period of 60 days. The test diets T3 and T4 were supplemented with 0.1 g kg-1 xylanase (16,000 U kg-1) and 0.1 g kg-1 phytase (500 U kg-1) enzymes. A total of 120 juveniles of L. rohita (average weight 5.01 ± 0.02 g) were stocked in 12 rectangular tanks with 10 fish per tank in triplicates. At the end of the experiment, haematology, histology and IGF I gene expression of the different groups were analysed. The haemoglobin (Hb) content, RBC count and WBC count of L. rohita varied significantly (p < 0.05) among different groups. T3 diet-fed group had the highest Hb content, RBC count and WBC count as compared to the other groups. The MCV content was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in T3 group. The DORB type, exogenous enzyme supplementation and their interaction have no significant (p > 0.05) effect on MCH, MCHC and lymphocyte content of the cultured fish. The group which were fed T3 diet had significantly (p < 0.05) higher IGF-I gene expression as compared to other groups. The histological examination of liver revealed no pathological alteration of this organ. Similarly, there were no pathological changes observed in intestinal tissue in any dietary treatment group. Based on the findings of the present study, it is concluded that exogenous enzyme supplementation of DORB-based diets improves the physiological status and growth performances of Labeo rohita.

Effects of Astragalus polysaccharides on intestinal morphology and intestinal immune cells of Muscovy ducklings infected with Muscovy duck reovirus.

Muscovy duck reovirus (MDRV) infection induces serious immunosuppression and intestinal injury in Muscovy ducklings with a high morbidity and mortality, and Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) pretreatment could efficiently protect ducklings from MDRV infection, although the underlying immunoregulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate effects of APS on the intestinal mucosal immunity in MDRV-infected Muscovy ducklings. A total of 190 1-day-old healthy Muscovy ducklings were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n = 50): normal control group, APS pretreatment for MDRV-infected group, and cohabitation infection group, then pretreated with 0.6 g/L APS or only drinking water followed by MDRV cohabitation infection with the remaining 40 artificially infected ducklings, respectively. At the 2, 3, 4, 6, 9 and 15 d after cohabitation infection, the intestinal samples were prepared to measure intestinal parameters including villus length, villus length/crypt depth (V/C) ratio, and wall thickness, together with counts of intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) and goblet cell (GC) by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Meanwhile, ileal secretory IgA (sIgA) and duodenal cytokine levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-15, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon gamma were detected by the ELISA and radioimmunoassay, respectively. The results showed that APS significantly improved intestinal injuries of villi length, V/C ratio, and wall thickness of the small intestine infected with MDRV, effectively inhibited the reduction of IEL and GC caused by MDRV infection, subsequently increased sIgA and all the cytokine secretions at most time points, suggesting that APS pretreatment can effectively stimulate mucosal immune function by improving intestinal morphology and repair MDRV caused injures of small intestinal mucosal immune barrier in infected ducklings. Our findings lay the foundation for further application of APS in prevention and treatment of MDRV infection.

Effects of dietary supplementation of compound enzymes on performance, nutrient digestibility, serum antioxidant status, immunoglobulins, intestinal morphology and microbiota community in weaned pigs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of compound enzymes (CE) (containing per g 375 U amylase, 2500 U protease, 4000 U xylanase and 150 U ß-glucanase) on performance, nutrient digestibility, serum antioxidant status, immunoglobulins, intestinal morphology, volatile fatty acids contents and microbiota community in weaned pigs. Seventy-two pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, weaned at d 28) with an average body weight of 8.49 ± 0.87 kg were allotted into two treatments with six replicate pens per treatment (three barrows and three gilts per pen) according to sex and body weight in a randomised complete block design. The treatments contained a corn-soybean meal-barley basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 1000 mg CE/kg (CE). The study was divided into phase 1 (d 1 to 14) and 2 (d 15 to 35). The average daily gain was increased (p < 0.05) in pigs fed CE in phase 2 and overall (d 1 to 35) compared with CON. These pigs had greater (p ≤ 0.05) serum IgA, IgG, superoxide dismutase and catalase contents, as well as tended to increase serum IgM content and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of organic matter in phase 1 compared with CON. In phase 2, pigs supplemented with CE showed greater (p < 0.01) ATTD of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and gross energy compared with CON. These pigs also had increased (p < 0.05) IgA, IgG, IgM, superoxide dismutase contents, and decreased (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde content in serum compared with CON. Moreover, pigs fed CE had higher (p < 0.05) villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in ileum, and tended to increased acetic acid content in colon compared with CON. Furthermore, pigs fed CE had increased (p < 0.05) relative abundance of Firmicutes at phylum level, Lactobacillales at order level, Lactobacillaceae at family level, Bacilli at class level, Lactobacillus at genus level in caecum and colon, as well as lower (p < 0.05) relative abundance of Bacteroidetes at phylum level, Bacteroidales at the order level, Bacteroidia at class level, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_6 at genus level in colon compared with CON. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of compound enzymes could effectively improve nutrient digestibility, serum antioxidant status, immunoglobulin, gut morphology, microbiota community, and therefore improve performance in weaned pigs.

Effects of maternal 25-hydroxycholecalciferol during the last week of gestation and lactation on serum parameters, intestinal morphology and microbiota in suckling piglets.

This study was conducted to test the effects of maternal 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3) supplementation on serum parameters, intestinal morphology and microbiota in suckling piglets. The experiment started on day 107 of gestation and lasted until piglets were weaned on day 21 of lactation. Thirty-two sows were allocated randomly to two treatments (ND diet, basal diet with 2000 IU/kg of vitamin D3; 25-D diet, basal diet with 50 µg/kg 25OHD3). Results showed that maternal 25-D treatment increased (p < 0.05) serum 25OHD3 concentration in the umbilical cords, which led to higher (p < 0.05) serum 25OHD3 concentration of suckling piglets from 25-D sows. The GSH-Px activity in colostrum was higher (p < 0.05), as well as SOD and GSH-Px activities in milk, were higher (p < 0.05) in 25-D sows than ND sows. Compared with piglets suckling ND sows, piglets suckling 25-D sows had higher (p < 0.05) serum SOD activity on day 7, 14 and 21 of lactation. On day 21 of lactation, piglets form 25-D sows had greater (p < 0.05) serum levels of GH and IGF-I and lower (p < 0.05) serum DAO activity than those from ND sows. Piglets from 25-D sows had higher (p < 0.05) jejunal villus height than those from ND sows. Feeding 25OHD3 to sows tended to increase (p < 0.10) the species richness in the colonic digesta of suckling piglets, as reflected by the α-diversity index of Chao-1. In the caecal digesta, the α-diversity for bacterial community analysis of Simpson and Shannon was lower (p < 0.05) in 25-D piglets than ND piglets. The relative abundances of colonic Alloprevotella and caecal Lactobacillus were significantly higher, while the population of caecal [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group was lower (p < 0.05) in 25-D piglets than ND piglets. In conclusion, maternal 25OHD3 supplementation partly improved antioxidant status in sows and suckling piglets and altered gut microbiota in the hindgut of piglets.

Effects of antibiotic growth promoter and dietary protease on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility, intestinal morphology, meat quality, and intestinal gene expression in broiler chickens: a comparison.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing broiler diets with a dietary protease on growth performance, digestive function, intestinal morphology, and meat quality as compared with feeding diets with or without an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP). A total of 240 1-day-old male chicks (Cobb 500, 48.3 ± 3.3 g) were distributed to three treatments with eight replicates (10 birds per replicate). Three treatments were: 1) corn-soybean meal basal diets (CTRL), 2) basal diets with 0.003% avilamycin (AB), and 3) basal diets with 0.0125% protease (PRT). The diets were provided as mash form, and birds were fed ad libitum during the whole experimental period. On day 45, birds were euthanized, and tissue and digesta samples were collected. On day 46, the remaining birds were processed in a commercial slaughterhouse, and breast muscle samples were collected. Despite a trend for a decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the AB group during the whole phase (P = 0.071), no significant differences in growth performance parameters and relative weights of organs were observed (P > 0.05) among the groups. The AB and PRT groups showed significantly greater apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids (AA) compared with the CTRL group (P < 0.05). The PRT group significantly improved the morphology of duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05). No differences were detected for meat quality, white striping, and woody breast among the groups (P > 0.05). For the gene expressions, the AB group showed a greater level of B0-system neutral amino acid co-transporter 1 and excitatory amino acid transporter 1 mRNA abundance compared with PRT group, while a significantly lesser level of cationic amino acid transporter 1 mRNA abundance was observed in the AB group compared with CTRL group (P < 0.05). The PRT group had a lesser level of peptide transporter 1 mRNA abundance in the jejunum than the CTRL group (P < 0.05). The highest mRNA abundances of zonula occludens-1 and cadherin 1 were observed in the CTRL group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of avilamycin tended to reduce FCR and significantly improved AA utilization, and supplementation of dietary protease significantly enhanced intestinal morphology and AA utilization in broilers. In that respect, exogenous protease use appears to be an interesting tool to be considered in AGP reduction strategies.

Effects of dietary supplementation with herbal extract mixture on growth performance, organ weight and intestinal morphology in weaning piglets.

BACKGROUND: Many countries are increasingly prohibiting the addition of antibiotics in livestock diets. Therefore, herb extracts have gradually drawn attention to substitute antibiotics. Our present study aimed to determine the effects of herbal extract mixture (HEM) in dietary on growth performance, organ weight, intestinal morphology and intestinal nutrient transporters in weaned pigs. METHODS: 27 piglets (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire]; Body Weight (BW) = 5.99 ± 0.13 kg) were weaned at day 21 and randomly divided into three groups (n = 9 piglets/group). All piglets received a basal diet containing similar amounts of nutrients for 14 days. The three groups were the control (no additive), the antibiotics (375 mg/kg chlortetracycline, 20%, 500 mg/kg enramycin, 4%, 1,500 mg/kg oxytetracycline calcium, 50%) and the HEM group (1000 mg/kg extract mixture of golden-and-silver honeysuckle, huangqi, duzhong leaves and dangshen). After 14 d of treatment, we collected tissue samples to measure organ weight, intestinal parameters, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities and intestinal mRNA expression of nutrient transporters. RESULTS: The HEM group had no effects on growth performance and organ weight of weaned pigs. But compared with the control group, both HEM and antibiotics improved intestinal morphology, and HEM elevated the expression of nutrient transporters in ileum (SLC6A9, SLC15A1, and SLC5A1). HEM significantly decreased the activities of maltase in ileum and the ratio of small intestinal weight to BW than control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate benefit effects of the supplementation of HEM in diet, including modulating intestinal morphology and increasing the mRNA expression of nutrients transporters. These findings suggest that HEM provides novel insights into a variety of herbal extract mixtures to replace antibiotics in animal production.

Withania somnifera dietary supplementation improves lipid profile, intestinal histomorphology in healthy Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and modulates cytokines response to Streptococcus infection.

Despite Withania somnifera (WS), stimulating effects have been investigated on many animal species, its role on lipid profile and intestinal histomorphology in healthy animals, and its modulating role on pro-inflammatory cytokines following infection in fish are yet scarce. In this context, lipid profile, liver, and intestinal histomorphology were measured in Nile tilapia fed with a basal diet or diets containing 2.5 and 5% of supplementary WS for 60 days. Besides, cytokines response was measured at 1, 3,7, and 14 days following Streptococcus iniae (S. iniae) infection after the feeding trial. All lipid profile parameters were nominally lowered, excluding high-density lipoprotein (HDL) that exhibited a significant increase in WS 5% group compared to other groups. Improved gut health integrity was observed, especially in WS 5% group in terms of increased goblet cell numbers, villous height, the width of lamina propria in all parts of the intestine, and a decrease in the diameter of the intestinal lumen of the distal intestine only. A significant down-regulation in the mRNA transcript level of cytokine genes (interleukin 1ß/IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor α/TNFα, and interleukin 6/IL-6) was demonstrated in the kidney and spleen of WS-supplemented groups following S. iniae infection compared with the control infected (positive control/PC) group. Our findings give new insights for the potential roles of WS dietary inclusion not only on lipid profile and intestinal health integrity improvement in healthy fish under normal rearing but also as a prophylactic against the infection. Thus, WS can be incorporated as a promising nutraceutical in aquaculture.

Effect of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium in sows on intestinal health of the offspring.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ·Na2) supplementation in sows during gestation and lactation on intestinal health in offspring. A total of 40 cross-bred (landrace × large white crossed with Duroc boar) multiparity gestation sows with an average parity of 4.3 were used in this study. Forty sows were allotted to 2 dietary treatments after breeding. One group was the control sows, which were fed a corn-soybean meal control diet (Con treatment, n = 20), and the other group was the treatment sows fed a control diet with 20 mg kg-1 PQQ·Na2 after breeding and through gestation and lactation (PQQ treatment, n = 20). The activities of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly (P < 0.05) increased by PQQ·Na2 supplementation, and MDA activity was decreased (P < 0.05) in the plasma of piglets. CAT, SOD and GSH-Px activities were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, and MDA activity was decreased (P < 0.05) in the small intestine of piglets. The mRNA expression levels of SOD1, CAT and MGST1 in the jejunum were increased in newborn piglets (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression levels of HO1, SOD1, CAT, SOD2, GPX4, GPX1 and GCLC in the jejunum were increased in weaned piglets (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of ZO-1 was increased (P < 0.05) in the jejunum of newborn piglets, and the mRNA expression of Occludin and ZO-1 was increased (P < 0.05) in the jejunum of weaned piglets. The villous height of the duodenum and jejunum of weaned piglets was increased (P < 0.05) by dietary PQQ·Na2. In weaned piglets, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the most prevalent phyla in both the Con and PQQ·Na2 treatment groups, and the most prevalent genera were Alloprevotella and Bacteroides. At the phylum level, the abundance of Firmicutes was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the abundance of Proteobacteria was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Alloprevotella was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the abundance of Actinobacillus and Escherichia was decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na2 in sows during gestation and lactation had positive effects on intestinal health in offspring.