Relative biological efficacy of methionine hydroxy analogue-free acid compared to dl-methionine in the broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: In the broiler's diets based on corn-soya bean meal, methionine (Met) and cystine (Cys), known as sulphur amino acids (SAAs), are the first limiting indispensable amino acids because of their limited presence, which are supplemented with different synthetic sources. Evaluation of the biological effectiveness of these sources can be important in their correct replacement, especially in the starter and growth diets. OBJECTIVES: The current study was done to assess the relative biological efficacy (RBE) of liquid Met hydroxy analogue-free acid (MHA-FA) in comparison with dl-Met (dl-Met) based on broiler performance traits at different levels of digestible SAA in the 1-11 (starter) and 11-25 (grower) days of age periods. METHODS: Two experiments were developed with treatments consisting of a basal diet without Met addition that met the nutrient and energy requirements of broilers with the exception of SAAs (Met + Cys) and five increasing Met doses for both sources (dl-Met and/or MHA-FA), resulting in digestible SAA concentrations from 0.62% to 1.02% of diet in the starter period (Trial 1) and 0.59% to 0.94% of diet in the grower period (Trial 2). The multi-linear regression model and slope ratio method were employed to calculate the RBE of MHA-FA compared with dl-Met for measured variables. RESULTS: In both experiments, the results obtained during the starter and grower periods with the different Met supplementations show significant growth responses to digestible SAAs levels. By increasing dietary dl-Met and/or MHA-FA levels, the growth performance traits and immune responses were improved (quadratic; p < 0.05). The RBE of MHA-FA compared to dl-Met on an equimolar basis was estimated 66%-89% (59%-79% on a weight-to-weight basis). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the RBE of MHA-FA in comparison with dl-Met depends on broiler chicken age and what attribute is being evaluated.

Arginine alleviates Clostridium perfringens α toxin-induced intestinal injury in vivo and in vitro via the SLC38A9/mTORC1 pathway.

Introduction: Clostridium perfringens α toxin is a main virulence factor responsible for gut damage in animals. Arginine is a functional amino acid exhibiting significant immunoregulatory activities. However, the effects and immunoregulatory mechanisms of arginine supplementation on α toxin-induced intestinal injury remain unclear. Methods: In vivo, 256 male Arbor Acres chickens were randomly assigned to a 2×2 factorial arrangement, involving diet treatments (with or without 0.3% arginine supplementation) and immunological stress (with or without α toxin challenge). In vitro, IEC-6 cells were treated with or without arginine in the presence or absence of α toxin. Moreover, IEC-6 cells were transfected with siRNA targeting mTOR and SLC38A9 to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results and discussion: The results showed that in vivo, arginine supplementation significantly alleviated the α toxin-induced growth performance impairment, decreases in serum immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG levels, and intestinal morphology damage. Arginine supplementation also significantly reduced the α toxin-induced increase in jejunal proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6 and IL-17 mRNA expression. Clostridium perfringens α toxin significantly decreased jejunal mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and solute carrier family 38 member 9 (SLC38A9) mRNA expression, while arginine supplementation significantly increased mTOR and SLC38A9 mRNA expression. In vitro, arginine pretreatment mitigated the α toxin-induced decrease in cell viability and the increase in cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Arginine pretreatment also alleviated the α toxin-induced upregulation of mRNA expression of inflammation-related cytokines IL-6, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)10, CXCL11 and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), as well as apoptosis-related genes B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-XL) and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (Caspase-3) and the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2. Arginine pretreatment significantly increased the α toxin-induced decrease in mTOR, SLC38A9, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)-binding protein 1 (4EBP1) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K) mRNA expression. Knockdown SLC38A9 and mTOR largely abrogated the positive effects of arginine pretreatment on α toxin-induced intracellular changes. Furthermore, SLC38A9 silencing abolished the increased mTOR mRNA expression caused by arginine pretreatment. In conclusion, arginine administration attenuated α toxin-induced intestinal injury in vivo and in vitro, which could be associated with the downregulation of inflammation via regulating SLC38A9/mTORC1 pathway.

Growth performance, meat quality and hematological parameters of broiler chickens fed safflower seed.

The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of safflower seed (SS) on the growth performance and hematological parameters of broiler birds along with the physicochemical, textural and sensory attributes of chicken meat. A total of 200 male chickens (7-days-old) were distributed into 5 groups (40 chickens in each) with 5 replicates of 8 chicks in a 42-day experiment. Each group was allocated to one of 5 dietary treatments, i.e., 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% SS. The experimental diets were formulated for starter (7 to 21 days) and finisher (22 to 42 days) phases. Inclusion of SS in the diet improved growth performances in treatment groups between 7 and 42 days. The highest and lowest body weights were observed at the 5% SS and 0% SS levels, respectively. The physicochemical attributes of breast and thigh meat were found (P > 0.05) except for crude fat. The crude fat was significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increasing levels of SS in the diet. The inclusion of SS in the diet did not negatively impact the textural properties, i.e., hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness, and shear force of breast and thigh meat. There was no significant difference in the sensory parameters of cooked chicken meat with increasing levels of SS in the diet. The results demonstrated a significant (P < 0.01) improvement in hematological parameters in the blood samples of broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with various levels of SS for five weeks. These findings suggest that, SS may be used as an oil seed for broiler chicken feed.

Dietary supplementation of prebiotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall promotes growth performance and intestinal health in broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens.

1. This study evaluated the effectiveness of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cell wall (YCW) supplementation on the growth performance, carcase characteristics, serum biomarkers, liver function, ileal histology and microbiota of broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens).2. In a 35-d trial, 240 chicks aged 1-d-old were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups, each with 10 replicates: control (CON) with no challenge or additives, challenged with C. perfringens (CHAL), CHAL and supplemented with YCW at either 0.25 g/kg (YCW0.25) or 0.5 g/kg (YCW0.5).3. In comparison to CON, the CHAL birds had reduced growth performance, survival rate, dressing percentage, breast meat yield, levels of total protein (TP), globulin (GLO), glucose (GLU), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), as well as a decreased Lactobacillus population (P < 0.01). Additionally, this group showed elevated levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and C. perfringens count (P < 0.01). Compared to CHAL, the YCW0.25 or YCW0.5 groups had improved growth performance, survival rate, dressing percentage, breast meat yield, levels of TP, GLO, GLU, and T-AOC, as well as the activities of T-SOD, GOT, and GPT, villus height, villus surface area, villus height to crypt depth ratio, and the populations of both Lactobacillus and C. perfringens; (P < 0.01).4. The data suggested that YCW supplementation at either 0.25 or 0.50 g/kg can restore the growth performance of broiler chickens during a C. perfringens challenge.

Postbiotic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects of aqueous microbial lysozyme in broiler chickens.

Lysozymes, efficient alternative supplements to antibiotics, have several benefits in poultry production. In the present study, 120, one-day-old, Ross 308 broiler chickens of mixed sex, were allocated into 2 equal groups, lysozyme treated group (LTG) and lysozyme free group (LFG), to evaluate the efficacy of lysozyme (Lysonir®) usage via both drinking water (thrice) and spray (once). LTG had better (p = 0.042) FCR, and higher European production efficiency factor compared to LFG (p = 0.042). The intestinal integrity score of LTG was decreased (p = 0.242) compared to that of LFG; 0.2 vs. 0.7. Higher (p ≤ 0.001) intestinal Lactobacillus counts were detected in chickens of LTG. Decreased (p ≤ 0.001) IL-1ß and CXCL8 values were reported in LTG. The cellular immune modulation showed higher (p ≤ 0.001) opsonic activity (MΦ and phagocytic index) in LTG vs. LFG at 25 and 35 days. Also, higher (p ≤ 0.001) local, IgA, and humoral, HI titers, for both Newcastle, and avian influenza H5 viruses were found in LTG compared to LFG. In conclusion, microbial lysozyme could improve feed efficiency, intestinal integrity, Lactobacillus counts, anti-inflammatory, and immune responses in broiler chickens.

Exogenous aqueous and spray microbial lysozyme enhanced growth in commercial broiler chickensThe postbiotic effects of microbial lysozyme modulated intestinal integrity.Anti-inflammatory, as well as local, cellular, and humoral immune response were stimulated by lysozyme supplementation.

Interactive effects of dietary protein and nano-chitosan on growth performance, immune response, and histological aspects of lymphoid organs in broiler chickens.

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of partial replacement of dietary soybean meal by three plant protein sources: coconut, rocket seed, and black cumin meals with their combination in the presence or absence of nano-chitosan (NCH) on growth performance and immune response in broiler chickens. Five starter and grower diets were formulated and used from 1 to 42 days of age. The NCH was added to starter and grower diets at 1.0 g/kg. Five-hundred-fifty-day-old Arbor Acres Plus broiler chicks were randomly divided into ten treatments with five equal replications. Final body weight (FBW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and blood plasma parameters were investigated. Histological aspects of lymphoid organs (thymus: T, bursa of Fabricius: B, and spleen: S) were characterized. Apart from added NCH, the FBW, BWG, and FCR of broilers fed the diets containing the tested plant proteins were significantly superior to the control ones. However, FI of birds fed the diets containing CM alone or combined with RSM plus BCM was significantly reduced. All experimental broilers displayed high plasma levels of IgG compared with the control group. There were significant increases in plasma concentrations of IgM, IgA, and T4 for groups that fed the diets containing RSM, BCM, and mixture of CM, RSM, and BCM compared with their controls. The T3 levels of broilers fed the tested plant proteins were significantly increased compared with the controls. Aside from plant protein source, broilers fed the NCH-enriched diets achieved significant increases in levels of IgM, TAC, and FSH and activities of CAT and SOD but reduced the MDA level compared with control. The interactions between plant protein source and added nano-chitosan were not interrelated. Furthermore, CM, RSM, and BCM can be used as complementary dietary proteins singly or combined with NCH with no adverse effects on growth performance. Addition of NCH molecules has a positive effect on live body weight and increases feed intake compared with control chicks.

The effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) as a mediator of dietary fatty acids and thiazolidinedione in pulmonary arterial hypertension induced by cold stress of broilers.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of dietary fish oil and pioglitazone as peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) activating ligands on the reduction of cold-induced ascites in broiler chickens. A total of 480 one-day-old (Ross 308) male chicks were randomly allocated to four treatment groups with eight replicates of 15 birds each. The following treatments were used: 1) ambient temperature (negative control), with basal diet; 2) cold-induced ascites (positive control), with basal diet; 3) cold-induced ascites, with basal diet +10 mg/kg/day pioglitazone and 4) cold-induced ascites, with basal diet +1% of fish oil. When compared with the positive control, body weight gain was higher (P ≤ 0.05) for broilers fed diets containing fish oil and pioglitazone at 28, 42, and 0-42 d. Broilers under cold-induced ascites had the highest blood pressure at 21 and 42 d, while fish oil and pioglitazone treatment reduced the blood pressure (P ≤ 0.05). Red blood cells, white blood cells, hematocrit, erythrocyte osmotic fragility, bursa of Fabricius and spleen weights were improved (P ≤ 0.05) for chickens fed fish oil diets and pioglitazone compared to the cold-induced ascites (positive control). Exposure to cold temperature resulted in an increase in plasma T3 and T3/T4 ratio and decline in plasma T4 (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, PPARγ agonist pioglitazone and fish oil as source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid could be used as a strategy to reduce the negative effects of pulmonary arterial hypertension and ascites in broiler chickens.

Dietary supplementation with a mixture of Dunaliella salina and Spirulina enhances broiler performance by improving growth, immunity, digestive enzymes and gut microbiota.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Dunaliella salina and Spirulina (D + S) mixture on performance, carcass yield, kidney and liver markers, lipid profile, and immune responses of fattening chicks. Two hundred broiler chicks at 7 days old were distributed into 5 experimental groups, 5 replicates each with 8 chicks each. Group 1 was fed on only basal diet; group 2 was fed with basal diet and 0.50 g/kg (D + S); group 3 was fed with basal diet and 1.00 g/kg (D + S); group 4 was fed with basal diet and 1.50 g/kg (D + S); and group 5 was fed with basal diet supplemented with 2.00 g/kg (D + S). The additive mixture (D + S) consisted of (1 D. salina: 1 Spirulina). The experiment lasted for 6 wk. The results demonstrated significantly improved better live body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (P<0.01) for groups that received (D + S) at levels of 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg diet compared to other groups at 6 wk of age. There was no significant influence of different levels of dietary feed additives on feed intake or carcass traits. The lipid profile was improved through a reduction of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) values and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) values, as well as the immune response, which was improved through increasing values of complement 3, immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the birds treated with (D + S) compared to the control group. The inclusion of all levels of (D + S)/kg decreased triglyceride, while total protein, albumen, and globulin values (P<0.05 or P<0.01) were higher compared to other groups. The inclusion of the different levels of (D + S)/kg improved liver function, whereas aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values were lower than in other groups (P<0.001). The lowest values of creatinine, urea, and uric acid were noted in birds fed a diet supplemented with 1.50 g (D + S)/kg. Antioxidant levels were improved through increasing values of catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) enzymes in the treated birds with (D + S) compared with the control chicks. Furthermore, digestive enzymes and microbial content were improved in broiler checks fed on diet supplemented with (D + S) compared to the control group. In conclusion, supplementing broiler chicks with a dietary D. salina and Spirulina combination increased their productive performance, immunity, kidney and liver function, lipid profile, and digestive enzymes.

Toxicology and safety study of L-tryptophan and its impurities for use in broiler feed.

L-tryptophan has been utilized as a feed additive in animal nutrition to improve growth performance, as well as a dietary supplement to alleviate various emotional symptoms in humans. Despite its benefits, concerns regarding its safety arose following the outbreak of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) among individuals who consumed L-tryptophan. The causative material of EMS was determined to be not L-tryptophan itself, but rather L-tryptophan impurities resulting from a specific manufacturing process. To investigate the effect of L-tryptophan and its impurities on humans who consume meat products derived from animals that were fed L-tryptophan and its impurities, an animal study involving broiler chickens was conducted. The animals in test groups were fed diet containing 0.065%-0.073% of L-tryptophan for 27 days. This study aimed to observe the occurrence of toxicological or EMS-related symptoms and analyze the residues of L-tryptophan impurities in meat products. The results indicated that there was no evidence of adverse effects associated with the test substance in the investigated parameters. Furthermore, most of the consumed EMS-causing L-tryptophan impurities did not remain in the meat of broiler chickens. Thus, this study demonstrated the safety of L-tryptophan and some of its impurities as a feed additive.

Growth, not digestibility, in chickens receiving reduced-protein diets is independent of non-specific amino-nitrogen sources when the essential-to-total-nitrogen ratio is constant and lower than 50.

1. A 21 d experiment was conducted to investigate whether growth performance and coefficients of amino acids digestibility (cAID) in broilers receiving reduced-protein diets supplemented with different non-essential amino acids (NEAA) were dependent on supplemented NEAA in diets with the same essential-to-total N (eN-to-tN) ratio kept at <50%.2. The experiment used 240 male broiler chicks, allocated to eight treatments with six replicate pens per treatment, and five chicks per replicate. The diets were either adequate in protein diet (PC), reduced protein (NC) diet or the NC diet supplemented with Gly, Gln, Ser, Ala, Gly + Ser or Ala + Ser. Digesta from the distal half of the ileum were collected on d 21. Tissue samples were collected for analysis for gene expression of protein synthesis and degradation (pectoralis major and liver) and peptide and AA transporters (jejunum).3. The treatments had no effects on growth performance. Generally, cAID was greater (P < 0.05) in NC compared to the PC diet. Individual supplementation of the NC diet with Gly, Gln, Ser, Ala or Ala+Ser increased (P < 0.01) cAID of Cys compared to the PC diet. There were no treatment effects on mRNA levels for the AA or peptide transporters in the jejunum. Supplementation of the NC diet with Gln, Ser, Ala, or Gly + Ser produced an upward expression (P < 0.05) of S6 kinase in the liver compared to PC and NC. In addition, there was greater (P < 0.05) expression of TRIM36 in the pectoralis major of broiler chickens receiving the NC diet supplemented with Gly.4. When reduced-protein diets have an eN-to-tN ratio of <50% and the ratio is kept constant in all the diets, growth performance response was independent of the source of non-specific amino-N, but the treatments may influence ileal digestibility of individual AA.

Effect of dietary lysophospholipid supplementation on growth performance, serum lipids, small intestine morphology and caeca microflora in broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: The digestibility of animal fats and oils is limited by a reduction in the production and secretion of lipase and bile salts in young chickens. The addition of a natural emulsifier (lysophospholipids [LPL]) in poultry diet may increase the emulsification of lipids and their digestibility. OBJECTIVES: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feed LPLs supplementation with different fat sources on performance, serum lipid composition, small intestine morphology and caeca microflora in broiler chickens. METHODS: A completely randomized factorial design (2 × 3 × 2) was used to evaluate the effect of LPL supplementation (0 and 0.25 g/kg) and three different fat sources (soybean oil, tallow and a 50:50 mixture of the two) in corn and soybean meal diets containing two levels of fat (1.5 and 3%), providing 12 isocaloric and isonitrogenous grower diets. Each experimental diet was fed to six replications of 10 birds from 15 to 28 days of age. Average growth performance during this period and small intestine morphology, serum lipid composition and caeca microflora were evaluated on day 28. RESULTS: The interaction effects of LPL supplementation, source and/or level of fats were not significant for the performance parameters measured during the 15 to 28 days. The treatment effects were significant for the villus width and crypt depth measured in the jejunum on day 28. The LPL supplementation significantly increased crypt depth. The interaction effect of fat source and level of fat were significant for villus width. The addition of a 3% blend of soybean oil/tallow (50/50) reduced the serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level. The Lactobacillus population was increased by the addition of LPL, or a 1.5% blend of soybean oil and tallow, to the diet. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that LPL supplementation of diet containing a 1.5% blend of soybean oil and tallow can improve serum lipid indices and caeca Lactobacillus populations in broiler chickens.

Effect of glutamine on the systemic innate immune response in broiler chickens challenged with Salmonella pullorum.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of glutamine on the growth performance and systemic innate immune response in broiler chickens challenged with Salmonella pullorum. A total of 600 one-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chickens were assigned randomly to 6 dietary treatments with 10 replicates for a 21-day feeding experiment. The experimental treatments were as follows: the control treatment (birds fed the basal diet), the Gln1 treatment, and the Gln 2 treatment (birds fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.5%, and 1.0% Glutamine, respectively). At 3 d of age, half of the birds from each treatment were challenged oral gavage with 2.0 × 104 CFU/mL of S. pullorum suspension (1.0 mL per bird) or an equivalent amount of sterile saline alone, which served as a control. RESULTS: The results showed that S. pullorum infection had adverse effects on the average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio of broiler chickens compared with those of the CON treatment on d 7, decreased the spleen and bursa of fabricius relative weights (except on d 21), serum immunoglobulin A (IgA),immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations, and spleen melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) and laboratory of genetics and physiology gene 2 (LGP2) mRNA expression levels, and increased the mRNA expression levels of spleen Nodinitib-1 (NOD1), Toll-like receptors 2,4 (TLR2, TLR4), DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI), mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS), P50, P65, and RelB on d 4, 7, 14, and 21. Supplementation with Gln improved the relative weights of the spleen and bursa of Fabricius (except on d 21), increased the serum IgA, IgG, and IgM concentrations and the mRNA expression levels of spleen MDA5 and LGP2, and decreased the mRNA expression levels of spleen NOD1, TLR2, TLR4, DAI, MAVS, P50, P65, and RelB of S. pullorum-challenged broiler chickens. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that Gln might stimulate the systemic innate immune responses of the spleen in broiler chickens challenged with S. pullorum.

Effects of the combined use of a probiotic and chromium methionine chelate on the functional state of broiler chickens.

Background and Aim: An increase in the productivity of broiler chickens is possible when creating an optimal food base that provides birds with all of the nutrients and biologically active substances required for the fullest realization of their genetic potential. In this regard, we examined the effects of the addition of a water-based probiotic and a chelated form of chromium (Cr) to the diet of birds. Materials and Methods: Sixty 14-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were used in this study. The birds were assigned to two groups of 30 birds according to their body weights. The control broilers received distilled water with the basal diet, and the experimental group received a probiotic preparation in drinking water and Cr methionine chelate (Cr-Met) in the diet. The feeding period lasted 28 days. Growth performance indices were measured throughout the experiment. At the end of the experiment, blood sampling was performed to assess blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant system indicators, and trace elements. Results: We found that the introduction of a probiotic preparation and a chelated form of Cr into the diet of broiler chickens had a positive effect on meat productivity, which was characterized by a 17% increase in the average daily gain of birds (p = 0.05) and a 14% increase in body weight (p = 0.01). Consequently, the yield of the slaughtered carcass increased by 5.8% (p = 0.05). Against the background of the consumption of the developed diet, broiler chickens exhibited a 14% decrease in feed conversion accompanied by an increase in the level of digestibility of dietary nutrients. In addition, glucose levels were decreased by 20% (p = 0.03) against the background of a 76% increase in the total protein concentration (p = 0.01). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were increased by 13% (p = 0.02) and 7.5% (p = 0.03), respectively. Elemental analysis of blood serum revealed a 99% decrease in the Fe level versus the control (p = 0.02) and a 31% increase in the Zn level (p = 0.02). Conclusion: We conclude that feeding broiler chickens is a multicomponent probiotic supplement combined with Cr-Met promotes growth and nutrient absorption, and optimizes metabolic processes.

Effect of Glucose Supplementation on Apoptosis in the Pectoralis major of Chickens Raised under Thermoneutral or Heat Stress Environment.

Reduced feed intake during heat stress (HS) disrupts glucose homeostasis, thereby resulting in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and triggering apoptosis in chickens. We hypothesize that glucose supplementation could reduce apoptosis in chickens raised under HS. This study comprised 456 28-day-old broiler chickens randomly assigned to four treatment combinations under glucose supplementation and HS. The treatments were TN0, TN6, HS0, and HS6 with two glucose levels (0% and 6%) and two temperature levels (25 °C (thermoneutral-TN) and 35 °C (8.00 AM to 8.00 PM, (HS)). After 7 days post-HS, the blood glucose level for the HS6 group was higher than for TN0, TN6, and HS0. We studied the mRNA expression of genes and caspase-3 activity in the four experimental groups. The expressions of GCN2, ATF4, CHOP, and FOXO3a increased during HS regardless of glucose supplementation, while PERK and MAFbx increased only under HS with glucose supplementation. We show that under TN conditions, glucose supplementation led to a significant increase in cellular apoptosis in the Pectoralis (P.) major. However, under HS with glucose, the level of apoptosis was similar to that of chickens raised under TN conditions with no glucose supplementation. The utility of glucose to curtail apoptosis under HS should be tested under other intense models of HS.

Effects of Ilicis Chinensis folium extract supplementation on growth performance, serum parameters, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: Ilicis chinensis folium extract (ICFE) is a powder extracted and processed with Ilex chinensis Sims (ICS) which has numerous bioactivities and is conventionally used in traditional Chinese medicine. Nonetheless, there has been no definitive study evaluating ICFE's application as a feed supplement for broilers. This research sought to determine the chemical composition and evaluate how dietary ICFE supplementation affects the growth performance, serum metrics, intestinal structure, and antioxidant capacity of broilers. METHODS: A total of 360 one-day-old broiler chicks were assigned to four treatments (with 9 replicates of 10 chicks, each) of dietary supplementation with ICFE at 0, 250, 500, and 1,000 mg /kg for 42 days. RESULTS: Ten polyphenolic compounds and two triterpenoid glycosides were detected by HPLC. In the grower stage and overall, broilers supplemented with 500 and 1,000 mg/kg ICFE exhibited a higher ADFI (P < 0.05) than the controls. Additionally, compared to the controls, broilers receiving low, medium, or high dosages of ICFE exhibited higher average daily gains (P < 0.05) throughout the starter stage and overall. Organ indices showed no significant variation, suggesting that ICFE was non-toxic. ICFE supplementation increased the height of villi in the duodenum and jejunum, reduced crypt depth, and increased the villus/crypt ratio in the duodenum (P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of IL-4 and IgA were increased in ICFE-supplemented broilers. The serum malondialdehyde concentration was reduced, whereas superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity increased through supplementation with ICFE. CONCLUSION: ICFE supplementation can improve intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and growth performance of broilers. Hence, ICFE is a promising and safe alternative to antibiotics in broilers, and 500 mg/kg appears to be the optimal dose.

Effect of dietary Alibernet red grape pomace application into Ross 308 broiler chickens diet on amino and fatty acids profile of breast and thigh meat.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Alibernet red grape pomace (ARGP) variety Alibernet addition into broiler chickens Ross 308 diet on the essential amino acid (AA) and fatty acid (FA) composition of their breast and thigh meat. At the beginning, 200 one-day Ross 308 broiler chickens of mixed gender were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 50). The control group (C) did not receive any additional supplementation. The feed of experimental groups was enriched with 1% ARGP per 1 kg of feed mixture (FM) (E1), with 2% ARGP per 1 kg of FM (E2) and with 3% ARGP per 1 kg of FM (E3). The FMs were produced without any antibiotics and coccidiostatics and the fattening period lasted for 42 days. Samples from breast and thigh muscle were obtained and analyzed for the content of AAs and FAs content and results were presented as g 100 g-1 of dry matter. Results revealed that AA profile of breast muscle was not significantly affected, with the most present AAs Lys and Leu. In the thigh muscle we observed significant differences in the content of Thr, Val, Met, Cys and His, namely in males. From the results of FAs profile, we can state that ARGP influenced namely monounsaturated oleic acid in breast muscle (without gender difference), which had significantly highest content (p ≤ 0.05) in all experimental groups (E1-36.05, E2-35.60 and E3-36.79 g 100 g-1) compared with the control group (31.88 g 100 g-1). Overall, it seems that selected feed supplement did not negatively influence AAs and FAs profile of chicken meat.

Dietary supplementation of Ocimum gratissimum improves growth performance and immune response in broilers under high ambient temperature.

Ocimum gratissimum (OG) was found to have immunity boosting effect on Taiwan country chickens and broiler chickens raised in moderate ambient temperature in previous studies, and the current study investigates its potential on the growth performance, blood traits, intestinal traits, and immune responses in Ross 308 broilers raised in high ambient temperature which can induce mild heat-stress (26 to 33 ˚C, average 30 ˚C). Two hundred 1-d-old male/female chicks were randomly assigned to a control group, three OG (1 g/kg, 3 g/kg, and 5 g/kg)/basal diet groups, and one Amoxicillin group. Data collected during the experiment indicated that the weight gain increase of 1742 g/bird to 1815 g/bird comparing control to 5 g/kg OG supplementation was statistically significant. In addition, the production efficiency factor was also noticeably increased by OG, particularly in the 5 g/kg group, and the uric acid levels were decreased in the 3 and 5 g/kg OG groups (from 4.26 to 2.91 and 2.90 mg/dL, respectively), indicating heat-stress alleviation was observed. Several areas of the carcass saw desirable growth changes, including the increase of breast muscle ratio observed in the 5 g/kg OG group, an overall decrease in abdominal fat in all OG groups, as well as dimensional changes in several areas of the digestive system. Lastly, the hemaglutination, hemaglutination inhibition, and phytohemaglutinin tests indicated elevated immuno-response in all OG groups. In conclusion, OG has exhibited the ability to alleviate symptoms of mild heat-stress, leading to improvement of the digestive organ development and increase of carcass mass and mean weight gain for birds, and we find OG to be a potentially beneficial feed supplement for poultry raising in high ambient temperature conditions.

Ocimum gratissimum (OG) was found to have immunity boosting effect on Taiwan country chickens and broiler chickens raised in moderate ambient temperature in previous studies, and the current study investigates its potential on broilers raised in high ambient temperature. Data collected during the experiment indicated desirable changes in the physiology of the chickens, including overall increase in production efficiency factor, a significant weight gain in the 5 g/kg OG supplementation group, noticeable weight gain in several areas of the carcass especially the breast, an overall decrease in abdominal fat, dimensional changes in several areas of the digestive system, elevated immuno-response for all OG groups. In conclusion, OG has exhibited the ability to alleviate symptoms of mild heat-stress, leading to improvement of the digestive organ development and increase of carcass mass and mean weight gain for birds, and we find OG to be a potentially beneficial feed supplement for poultry raising in high ambient temperature conditions.

Effect of phased reduction of dietary digestible lysine density on growth performance, thigh meat, and biomechanical characteristics of tibia in broiler chickens.

In this study, growth performance, nutrient intake, thigh meat quality, fatty acid composition of thigh meat, and biomechanical characteristics of tibia of broiler chickens in response to phased restriction of dietary digestible lysine (dLys) were evaluated. A total of 180 male broiler chickens distributed to 3 experimental groups were fed control diets, 85% dLys diet in grower phase (GRO 85% dLys), or 85% dLys diets in grower and finisher phases (GRO-FIN 85% dLys). Feeding 85% dLys suppressed the feed intake that suppressed the growth performance, slaughter weight, and thigh weight of broiler chickens compared to control group (P < 0.05). Average daily dLys, Ca, and P intakes were suppressed in groups fed 85% dLys diets in comparison with control group (P < 0.05) due to the suppression of feed intake. While most fatty acid concentrations in thigh meat were not different among the groups, eicosanoic acid (C20:0) in thigh meat was greater in GRO-FIN 85% dLys group than control group (P = 0.002). Antioxidant status of thigh meat of broiler chickens was not affected by the phased restriction of dietary dLys compared to control group. Bone breaking strength and ultimate strength were greater in control group than 85% dLys groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, phased dilution of dietary dLys to 85% of the required allowance yields weaker legs and tibia bones by suppressing the Ca and P intakes as a function of reduced feed intake in broiler chickens.

Differential expressions of hypothalamic thermosensitive TRP ion channels may underlie the posthatching ontogeny of brain cooling capacity in broiler chickens.

Two trials were performed to evaluate the association of hypothalamic abundances of thermosensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels with thermoregulation in broiler chickens. In trial 1, temporal changes in body temperatures, and hypothalamic expression patterns of TRP channels and thermoregulatory neurotransmitter concentrations were assessed from 3 to 42 d of age. In trial 2, the same variables were compared at 2 age stages between 2 distinct types of birds with high or low rectal temperatures (HRT or LRT). The core-to-brain temperature difference exhibited a rapid increase after hatching, arriving at a steady state in the fourth week (P < 0.01). The hypothalamus saw a progressive decrease of TRPV4 protein expression through 28 d (P < 0.01), followed by a great increase in the abundance of other channels right up to the end (P < 0.05). Compared to LRT birds, a decline in hypothalamic content of TRPV4 (P < 0.05), together with a bigger core-to-brain temperature difference (P < 0.01), was evident in the HRT counterpart at 33 d. In both trials, the core-to-brain and core-to-surface temperature differences were controlled in a synchronous and coordinated manner. These results allow concluding that developmental changes in the thermal sensitivity of hypothalamic neurons, determined by brain cooling capacity, involve a neuro-genomic mechanism, which regulates the ratio between thermosensitive TRP ion channels to attain a lower proportion of TRPV4 in comparison with other channels.

Microbiome of Ceca from Broiler Chicken Vaccinated or Not against Coccidiosis and Fed Berry Pomaces.

American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and lowbush/wild blueberry (V. angustifolium) pomace are polyphenol-rich products having potentially beneficial effects in broiler chickens. This study investigated the cecal microbiome of broiler-vaccinated or non-vaccinated birds against coccidiosis. Birds in each of the two groups (vaccinated or non-vaccinated) were fed a basal non-supplemented diet (NC), a basal diet supplemented with bacitracin (BAC), American cranberry (CP), and lowbush blueberry (BP) pomace alone or in combination (CP + BP). At 21 days of age, cecal DNA samples were extracted and analyzed using both whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing and targeted-resistome sequencing approaches. Ceca from vaccinated birds showed a lower abundance of Lactobacillus and a higher abundance of Escherichia coli than non-vaccinated birds (p < 0.05). The highest and lowest abundance of L. crispatus and E. coli, respectively, were observed in birds fed CP, BP, and CP + BP compared to those from NC or BAC treatments (p < 0.05). Coccidiosis vaccination affected the abundance of virulence genes (VGs) related to adherence, flagella, iron utilization, and secretion system. Toxin-related genes were observed in vaccinated birds (p < 0.05) in general, with less prevalence in birds fed CP, BP, and CP + BP than NC and BAC (p < 0.05). More than 75 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) detected by the shotgun metagenomics sequencing were impacted by vaccination. Ceca from birds fed CP, BP, and CP + BP showed the lowest (p < 0.05) abundances of ARGs related to multi-drug efflux pumps, modifying/hydrolyzing enzyme and target-mediated mutation, when compared to ceca from birds fed BAC. Targeted metagenomics showed that resistome from BP treatment was distant to other groups for antimicrobials, such as aminoglycosides (p < 0.05). Significant differences in the richness were observed between the vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups for aminoglycosides, ß-lactams, lincosamides, and trimethoprim resistance genes (p < 0.05). Overall, this study demonstrated that dietary berry pomaces and coccidiosis vaccination significantly impacted cecal microbiota, virulome, resistome, and metabolic pathways in broiler chickens.