Assessment of the Impact of Humic Acids on Intestinal Microbiota, Gut Integrity, Ileum Morphometry, and Cellular Immunity of Turkey Poults Fed an Aflatoxin B1-Contaminated Diet.

A recent study published data on the growth performance, relative weights of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, liver histology, serum biochemistry, and hematological parameters for turkey poults fed an experimental diet contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and humic acids (HA) extracted from vermicompost. The negative effects of AFB1 (250 ng AFB1/g of feed) were significantly reduced by HA supplementation (0.25% w/w), suggesting that HA might be utilized to ameliorate the negative impact of AFB1 from contaminated diets. The present study shows the results of the remaining variables, as an extension of a previously published work which aimed to evaluate the impact of HA on the intestinal microbiota, gut integrity, ileum morphometry, and cellular immunity of turkey poults fed an AFB1-contaminated diet. For this objective, five equal groups of 1-day-old female Nicholas-700 turkey poults were randomly assigned to the following treatments: negative control (basal diet), positive control (basal diet + 250 ng AFB1/g), HA (basal diet + 0.25% HA), HA + AFB1 (basal diet + 0.25% HA + 250 ng AFB1/g), and Zeolite (basal diet + 0.25% zeolite + 250 ng AFB1/g). In the experiment, seven replicates of ten poults each were used per treatment (n = 70). In general, HA supplementation with or without the presence of AFB1 showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the number of beneficial butyric acid producers, ileum villi height, and ileum total area, and a significant reduction in serum levels of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-d), a marker of intestinal integrity. In contrast, poults fed with AFB1 showed a significant increase in Proteobacteria and lower numbers of beneficial bacteria, clearly suggesting gut dysbacteriosis. Moreover, poults supplemented with AFB1 displayed the lowest morphometric parameters and the highest intestinal permeability. Furthermore, poults in the negative and positive control treatments had the lowest cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity response. These findings suggest that HA supplementation enhanced intestinal integrity (shape and permeability), cellular immune response, and healthier gut microbiota composition, even in the presence of dietary exposure to AFB1. These results complement those of the previously published study, suggesting that HA may be a viable dietary intervention to improve gut health and immunity in turkey poults during aflatoxicosis.

A cholesterol switch controls phospholipid scrambling by G protein-coupled receptors.

Class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a superfamily of cell membrane signaling receptors, moonlight as constitutively active phospholipid scramblases. The plasma membrane of metazoan cells is replete with GPCRs yet has a strong resting trans-bilayer phospholipid asymmetry, with the signaling lipid phosphatidylserine confined to the cytoplasmic leaflet. To account for the persistence of this lipid asymmetry in the presence of GPCR scramblases, we hypothesized that GPCR-mediated lipid scrambling is regulated by cholesterol, a major constituent of the plasma membrane. We now present a technique whereby synthetic vesicles reconstituted with GPCRs can be supplemented with cholesterol to a level similar to that of the plasma membrane and show that the scramblase activity of two prototypical GPCRs, opsin and the ß1-adrenergic receptor, is impaired upon cholesterol loading. Our data suggest that cholesterol acts as a switch, inhibiting scrambling above a receptor-specific threshold concentration to disable GPCR scramblases at the plasma membrane.

Chromium propionate in turkeys: effects on insulin sensitivity.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary chromium (Cr), as Cr propionate (Cr Prop), on measures of insulin sensitivity in turkeys. Plasma glucose and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), and liver glycogen concentrations were used as indicators of insulin sensitivity. One-day-old Nicholas Large White female poults (n = 336) were randomly assigned to dietary treatments consisting of 0 (control), 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6 mg supplemental Cr/kg diet. Each treatment consisted of 12 replicate cages with 7 turkeys per cage. Final BW were taken on d 34, and on d 35 two birds from each cage were sampled for plasma glucose and NEFA, and liver glycogen determination at the initiation (fed state) and termination (fasted state) of a 24-h fast. Following a 24-h fast, 2 turkeys per cage were refed (refed state) their treatment diet for 4 h, and then harvested. Feed/gain and ADG did not differ between control and Cr-supplemented turkeys over the 34-d study, but feed intake tended (P = 0.071) to be greater for controls than turkeys receiving 0.4 mg Cr/kg diet. Fed turkeys had greater plasma glucose (P = 0.002) and liver glycogen (P = 0.001) concentrations, and lower (P = 0.001) NEFA concentrations than fasted birds. Turkeys refed after fasting had greater (P = 0.001) plasma glucose and liver glycogen concentrations, and lower (P = 0.001) plasma NEFA levels than fed turkeys. Liver glycogen and plasma NEFA concentrations did not differ among control and Cr-supplemented birds in the fed, fasted, or refed state. Plasma glucose concentrations were not affected by treatment in fed or fasted turkeys. Turkeys supplemented with 0.2 or 0.4 mg Cr/kg and refed after fasting had lower (quadratic, P = 0.038) plasma glucose concentrations than controls. Plasma glucose concentrations in refed birds did not differ among Cr-supplemented turkeys. The lower plasma glucose concentration in Cr-supplemented turkeys following refeeding is consistent with Cr enhancing insulin sensitivity.

Research Note: Chromium propionate for turkeys: effect on tissue chromium concentrations and human food safety.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of supplementing turkey diets with chromium propionate (Cr Prop) on Cr concentrations in tissues consumed by humans. Nicholas White male day-old poults were used in this study. Treatments consisted of 0, 0.20, or 1.0 mg supplemental Cr/kg diet. Each treatment consisted of 8 replicate floor pens with 12 poults housed per pen. Diets were fed ad libitum for 84 d. At the end of the study, 2 turkeys per pen were euthanized and samples of liver, breast muscle, kidney, and skin with adhering fat were collected from a similar location in each bird for Cr analysis. Orthogonal contrasts were used to compare the 2 Cr supplemented treatments to the control (0 added Cr) and 0.20 mg Cr to 1.0 mg Cr/kg diet. When expressed on a DM or wet tissue basis, liver (P = 0.001) and muscle (P = 0.015) Cr concentrations were greater in turkeys supplemented with Cr compared with controls. Chromium concentrations in liver were also greater (P = 0.001) in turkeys supplemented with 1.0 mg Cr/kg than those receiving 0.20 mg Cr/kg. Concentrations of Cr in kidney and skin + fat were not affected by treatment. Considering the adequate intake of Cr established for humans, supplementation of Cr Prop at up to 1.0 mg Cr/kg diet would have minimal effect on total Cr intake by humans.

Chromium propionate in turkeys: effect on performance and animal safety.

Two hundred eighty-eight male Nicholas Large White turkey poults were used to determine the effect of supplementing turkeys with chromium propionate (Cr Prop) from 1 to 84 d of age on performance and animal safety. Treatments consisted of Cr prop supplemented to provide 0, 0.2, or 1.0 mg Cr/kg diet. One mg of supplemental Cr is 5 times (x) the minimal concentration of Cr Prop that enhanced insulin sensitivity in turkeys. Each treatment consisted of 8 floor pens with 12 poults per pen. Turkeys were individually weighed initially, and at the end of the starter 1 (d 21), starter 2 (d 42), grower 1 (d 63), and grower 2 phase (d 84). On d 85, blood was collected from the wing vein in heparinized tubes from 2 turkeys per pen for plasma chemistry measurements. A separate blood sample was collected from the same turkeys in tubes containing K2EDTA for hematology measurements. Turkey performance was not affected by treatment during the starter 1 phase. Gain was greater (P = 0.024) and feed/gain lower (P = 0.030) for turkeys supplemented with Cr compared with controls during the starter 2 phase. Over the entire 84-d study turkeys supplemented with Cr had greater (P = 0.005) ADG and tended (P = 0.074) to gain more efficiently than controls. Gain (P = 0.180) and feed/gain (P = 0.511) of turkeys supplemented with 0.2 mg Cr/kg did not differ from those receiving 1.0 mg Cr/kg over the entire 84-d study. Feed intake was not affected by treatment. Body weights of turkeys supplemented with Cr were heavier (P = 0.005) than controls by d 84. Chromium supplementation did not affect hematological measurements and had minimal effect on plasma chemistry variables. Results of this study indicates that Cr Prop supplementation can improve turkey performance, and is safe when supplemented to turkey diets at 5x the minimal concentration that enhanced insulin sensitivity.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of a Formulation Containing Ascorbic Acid and Eudragit FS 30D Microparticles for the Controlled Release of a Curcumin-Boric Acid Solid Dispersion in Turkey Poults Infected with Salmonella enteritidis: A Therapeutic Model.

The selection of components within a formulation or for treatment must stop being arbitrary and must be focused on scientific evidence that supports the inclusion of each one. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to obtain a formulation based on ascorbic acid (AA) and Eudragit FS 30D microparticles containing curcumin-boric acid (CUR-BA) considering interaction studies between the active components carried out via Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to minimize antagonistic effects, and comprehensively and effectively treat turkey poults infected with Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis). The DSC and FTIR studies clearly demonstrated the interactions between AA, BA, and CUR. Consequently, the combination of AA with CUR and/or BA should be avoided, but not CUR and BA. Furthermore, the Eudragit FS 30D microparticles containing CUR-BA (SD CUR-BA MP) showed a limited release of CUR-BA in an acidic medium, but they were released at a pH 6.8-7.0, which reduced the interactions between CUR-BA and AA. Finally, in the S. enteritidis infection model, turkey poults treated with the combination of AA and SD CUR-BA MP presented lower counts of S. enteritidis in cecal tonsils after 10 days of treatment. These results pointed out that the use of an adequate combination of AA and CUR-BA as an integral treatment of S. enteritidis infections could be a viable option to replace the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.

Comparative growth performance, gizzard weight, ceca digesta short chain fatty acids and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens and turkey poults in response to cereal grain type, fiber level, and multienzyme supplement fed from hatch to 28 days of life.

Growth performance, gizzard weight, ceca digesta short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and apparent retention (AR) of components were investigated in broilers and turkeys in response to cereal grain type, fiber level, and multienzyme supplement (MES) fed from hatch to 28 d of life. 480-day-old male broiler chicks and equal number of turkeys were placed separately in metabolism cages (10 birds/cage) and allocated to 8 diets. The species-specific diets were a corn or wheat-based basal diet without (LF) or with 10% corn DDGS or wheat middlings (HF) and fed without or with MES. This effectively created a 2 (grain types) × 2 (fiber levels) × 2 (MES) factorial arrangement of treatments. The diets had TiO2 as an indigestible marker. Body weight, feed intake, and mortalities were recorded to calculate body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Excreta samples were collected on d 25 to 27 for AR, and all birds were necropsied for gizzard weight and ceca digesta on d 28. The interaction between grain and MES in broilers was such that wheat diets with MES had the lowest (P = 0.005) FCR. In broilers, LF diets had better (P = 0.010) FCR than HF diets. The wheat diets had the highest (P = 0.006) concentration of butyric acid in broilers. Broilers fed HF and corn diets had heavier gizzard than broilers-fed LF and wheat diets. The MES improved (P < 0.05) AMEn in HF, corn, and wheat diets in broilers. The turkeys fed wheat diets had the lowest (P = 0.019) FCR. Turkeys fed HF wheat diets had the heaviest (P < 0.001) gizzard. In turkeys, the MES improved AMEn in HF and LF corn diets, and only in LF wheat diets compared to respective controls. Treatments had no effect on turkeys cecal SCFA. In conclusion, grain type, fiber, and MES did not affect growth in both species. However, species exhibited differing FCR, gizzard, and energy utilization to fiber and MES.

Dietary muramidase improved growth performance, feed efficiency, breast meat yield, and welfare of turkeys from hatch to market.

Muramidase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes peptidoglycans of bacterial cell walls and improves performance of broilers in a dose-dependent manner. An experiment was conducted to evaluate muramidase supplementation, at a high or step-down dose, in turkeys from hatch to market. Male, B.U.T. 6 turkey poults were placed in 24 floor pens at 32 birds per pen. Poults were fed 1 of 3 diets from d 1 to 126 of age. There were 8 replicate pens per treatment. The treatments were a control (CTL) diet, the CTL plus muramidase at 45,000 LSU(F)/kg from phase 1 to 6 (BAL45), and the CTL plus muramidase at 45,000 LSU(F)/kg from phase 1 to 3 and decreased to 25,000 LSU(F)/kg from phase 4 to 6 (BAL45-25). Data were analyzed using SAS. The model included treatment and block and means were separated by Fisher LSD test. Birds fed BAL45 were heavier (P < 0.05) and had a greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain compared with birds fed the CTL from hatch to d 126 of age. Birds fed BAL45-25 had a final BW and average daily gain intermediate to or equivalent to birds fed BAL45 at the same phases. Feed conversion ratio was improved (P < 0.05) in birds fed BAL45 compared with birds fed the CTL and intermediate in birds fed BAL45-25. Breast meat yield was greater (P < 0.05) in turkeys fed muramidase, regardless of dose, compared with birds fed the CTL. There was no effect of treatment on muramic acid content in the jejunum digesta or litter scores. The frequency of pododermatitis score 1 was greater (P < 0.05) and score 2 was lower (P < 0.05) in birds fed muramidase, regardless of dose, compared with birds fed the CTL diet. In conclusion, muramidase supplementation improved performance, breast meat yield, feed efficiency and some markers of welfare, proportional to the dose in the diets.

Effects of a postbiotic, with and without a saponin-based product, on turkey performance.

Modern poultry production relies on an ability to prevent and mitigate challenges to bird health, while maintaining a productive bird. A number of different classes of biologics-based feed additives exist, and many have been tested individually for their impacts on poultry health and performance. Fewer studies have examined the combinations of different classes of products. In this study, we examined the use of a well-established postbiotic feed additive (Original XPC, Diamond V) on turkey performance, with and without the addition of a proprietary saponin-based feed additive. This was accomplished in an 18-wk pen trial utilizing 22 pen replicates per treatment across 3 treatments (control, postbiotic, and postbiotic plus saponin). Significant differences in body weight were identified at wk 12 and 15 of age, with the postbiotic plus saponin treatment group resulting in heavier birds at both timepoints. Significant differences in feed conversion ratio were observed from 0 to 18 wk of age, with the postbiotic alone having improved FCR compared with the control group. No significant differences were observed for livability or feed intake. This study demonstrates that a combination of a postbiotic plus saponin may exert additive effects on the growth of the turkey.

Antioxidant status in the blood, liver, and muscle tissue of turkey hens receiving a diet with alfalfa protein concentrate.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the oxidative potential of turkeys fed a diet with alfalfa protein concentrate (APC), used throughout the rearing period or periodically at 2-wk intervals. The research material consisted of 6-wk-old BIG 6 turkey hens kept in pens, 5 birds per pen in 6 replicates. The experimental factor was the addition of APC to the diet in the amount of 15 or 30 g/kg of diet. APC was administered in 2 ways: birds received a diet with APC throughout the experiment or periodically. In the latter case, the birds received the diet with APC for 2 wk, and then for 2 wk they received the standard diet without APC. Levels of nutrients in the diet; flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and saponins in APC; uric acid, creatinine, bilirubin, and some antioxidants in the blood; and enzyme parameters in the blood and tissues of turkeys were determined. The use of APC in the diet stimulated antioxidant processes, which could be seen in the values of the pro-oxidant-antioxidant parameters of the tissues and blood plasma of turkeys. The significant reduction in the H2O2 level (P = 0.042) and slight reduction in the MDA level (P = 0.083), accompanied by an increase in catalase (P = 0.046) activity in the turkeys continuously receiving APC in the amount of 30 g/kg of diet, as well as the increase in plasma antioxidant parameters (vitamin C, P = 0.042 and FRAP, P = 0.048) in these birds, reflects improvement in their antioxidant status. Thus continuous use of the APC supplement in the amount of 30 g/kg of diet proved to be a better feeding practice to optimize oxidative potential than periodic inclusion of APC.

Comparison of mucosal phosphatase activity, phytate degradation, and nutrient digestibility in 3-week-old turkeys and broilers at different dietary levels of phosphorus and phytase.

A comparison between 3-wk-old female turkeys (B.U.T. 6) and broilers (Ross 308) was performed to study the effects of species, dietary P, Ca, and phytase levels on gut mucosal phosphatase activity, myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) degradation along the digestive tract, digestibility of P, Ca, and amino acids, and concentrations of myo-inositol in the digesta and blood. The experimental diets were corn-soybean meal-based and identical for both species. Two dietary P and Ca concentrations (CaP-: 4.1 g P/kg, 5.5 g Ca/kg and CaP+: 9.0 g P/kg, 12.0 g Ca/kg) and 2 levels of phytase supplementation (0 and 1,500 FTU/kg) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design and fed to the animals for 7 d in their third week of age. Each diet was randomly assigned to 6 broiler and 6 turkey pens, with 10 birds each. After slaughter, blood, digesta from the crop, gizzard, duodenum, lower ileum, and mucosa from the jejunum were collected. When fed CaP- without phytase supplementation, there were no differences between species in gut mucosal phosphatase activity, prececal InsP6 disappearance, and P and Ca digestibility, indicating a similar intrinsic capacity for phytate degradation in both species. When fed CaP+ without phytase supplementation, turkeys showed higher prececal InsP6 disappearance than broilers. Phytase supplementation increased prececal InsP6 disappearance and digestibility of P and Ca in both species. However, the phytase-induced increase in prececal InsP6 disappearance was more pronounced in broilers than in turkeys, possibly due to more adequate conditions for phytase activity in the broiler crop. In broilers, phytase supplementation increased amino acid digestibility overall, whereas, in turkeys, it increased with CaP+ and decreased with CaP-. In addition, the relationship between myo-inositol concentration in the ileum and blood differed between species, indicating differences in myo-inositol metabolism. It was concluded that 3-week-old turkeys and broilers differ in nutrient digestibility and InsP degradation in some segments of the digestive tract but have similar endogenous InsP6 degradation when fed low P and Ca diets.

Mucosal phosphatase activity, phytate degradation, and mineral digestibility in 6-week-old turkeys and broilers at different dietary levels of phosphorus and phytase and comparison with 3-week-old animals.

Female turkeys (B.U.T. 6) and broilers (Ross 308) were compared at 6 wk of age to evaluate the effects of species, dietary P, Ca, and phytase levels on myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) degradation along the digestive tract, gut mucosal phosphatase activity, P and Ca digestibility, and myo-inositol concentrations in the digesta and blood. The environmental conditions and experimental corn-soybean meal-based diets were the same for both species. Four diets with either combination of 2 levels of P and Ca (CaP-: 4.0 g P/kg, 5.4 g Ca/kg and CaP+: 6.0 g P/kg, 8.0 g Ca/kg) and 2 levels of phytase supplementation (0 and 1,500 FTU/kg) were fed to the animals for 7 d at their sixth wk of age. Each diet was randomly assigned to 6 pens per species, with 10 birds each. After slaughter, blood, digesta from the crop, gizzard, duodenum, lower ileum, and jejunal mucosa were collected. Endogenous mucosal phosphatase activity in the jejunum was higher in turkeys than in broilers. Prececal InsP6 disappearance was also higher in turkeys than in broilers when phytase was not supplemented. Phytase supplementation led to a higher prececal InsP6 disappearance in broilers than in turkeys, likely due to different crop conditions such as moisture content. However, prececal P digestibility was higher in turkeys than broilers. Different relationships between myo-inositol concentration in the ileum digesta and blood were found, depending on the species. A comparison of the results with those obtained in 3-wk-old birds of a companion study showed that in diets with low Ca and P levels, prececal InsP6 disappearance increased with age in turkeys, but not in broilers. This coincided with changes in the conditions of the digestive tract, such as the water content in the crop, gizzard pH, and mucosal phosphatase activity. In conclusion, occurrence of differences in phytate degradation between turkeys and broilers, fed the same feed, depended on age and can be explained by different physiological development of the digestive tract.

The sarcoplasmic protein profile of breast muscle in Turkeys in response to different dietary ratios of limiting amino acids and Clostridium perfringens-induced inflammation.

In this study, the effects of the Arginine/Lysine (Arg/Lys) ratio in low- and high-methionine (Met) diets on the sarcoplasmic protein profile of breast muscles from turkeys reared under optimal or challenge (Clostridium perfringens infection) conditions were determined. One-day-old Hybrid Converter female turkey poults (216 in total) obtained from a commercial hatchery on hatching day, and on the basis of their average initial body weight were randomly allocated to 12 pens (4 m2 each; 2.0 m × 2.0 m) containing litter bedding and were reared over a 42-day experimental period. Diets with high levels of Lys contained approximately 1.80% and 1.65% Lys and were offered in two successive feeding periods (days 1-28 and days 29-42). The supplemental levels of Lys were consistent with the nutritional specifications for birds at their respective ages as established in the Management Guidelines for Raising Commercial Turkeys. The experiment was based on a completely randomized 3 × 2 × 2 factorial design with three levels of Arg (90%, 100% and 110%) relative to the content of dietary Met (30 or 45%) and without (-) or with (+) C. perfringens challenge at 34, 36, or 37 d of age. Meat samples were investigated in terms of pH, color, and sarcoplasmic protein profile. The experimental factors did not influence meat quality but the dietary Arg content affected meat color. The sarcoplasmic protein profile was influenced by all studied factors, and glycolytic enzymes were the most abundant. This study evidenced strong association between the challenge conditions and the involvement of glycolytic enzymes in cell metabolism, particularly in inflammatory processes, and DNA replication and maintenance in turkeys. The results showed an effect of C. perfringens infection and feeding with different doses of Arg and Met may lead to significant consequences in cell metabolism.

Increased arginine, lysine, and methionine levels can improve the performance, gut integrity and immune status of turkeys but the effect is interactive and depends on challenge conditions.

Arginine (Arg), lysine (Lys), and methionine (Met) can be used to support the health status of turkeys. The present study investigated selected performance, gut integrity, and immunological parameters in turkeys reared in optimal or challenge conditions. The experiment lasted for 28 days, and it had a completely randomized 2 × 3 factorial design with two levels of dietary Arg, Lys and Met (high or low) and challenge with Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or no challenge (placebo). Increased dietary levels of Arg, Lys and Met had a beneficial effect on turkey performance and immunological parameters, and it improved selected indicators responsible for maintaining gut integrity in different challenge conditions. Under optimal conditions (with no challenge), high ArgLysMet diets did not compromise bird performance and they improved selected performance parameters in challenged birds. The immune system of turkeys was not excessively stimulated by high ArgLysMet diets, which did not disrupt the redox balance and had no negative effect on gut integrity. High ArgLysMet diets increased the expression levels of selected genes encoding nutrient transporters and tight junction proteins. However, the influence exerted by different dietary inclusion levels of Arg, Lys and Met on gut integrity was largely determined by the stressor (C. perfringens vs. LPS). Further studies are required to investigate the role of Arg, Lys and Met levels in the diet on the immune response, gut function and performance of turkeys in different challenge conditions.

Insight into dominant intestinal microbiota and the fatty acids profile of turkeys following the administration of synbiotic preparations.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics and prebiotics are widely used as natural feed additives in the nutrition of farm animals, including poultry. The using of this type of preparation has a positive effect on animal welfare, human health and the environment. High potential is attributed to preparations combining probiotics and prebiotics, called synbiotics. The aim of the research was to confirm the beneficial effects of synbiotics on the performance of turkeys and the number of dominant intestinal microbiota. In addition, we also investigated the concentration of organic acids (lactic acid, short-chain and branched-chain fatty acids) in the excreta of turkeys. RESULTS: The synbiotic supplementation of turkeys caused statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences in body weight of animals and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) compared to control group after 15 weeks of rearing. Administration of the synbiotics resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the count of potential pathogens (Clostridium spp., Clostridium coccoides and Escherichia coli) but a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the count of beneficial microorganisms (lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium spp.) in the excreta of turkeys. Results of synbiotic supplementation showed that the short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid concentration were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, while the concentration of branched-chain fatty acids was decreased. CONCLUSION: The results showed a beneficial influence of the synbiotics on the animals' performance, dominant intestinal microbiota and fatty acid profile in the excreta of turkeys. The developed synbiotics can be effectively used in nutrition of turkeys. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Determination of some heavy metals levels in the meat of animal species (sheep, beef, turkey, and ostrich) and carcinogenic health risk assessment in Kurdistan province in the west of Iran.

Heavy metals accumulation in food products as a result of industrialization is one of the main potential threats to public health. This study was aimed to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals in the meat of some prevalent farm animal species including sheep, beef, turkeys, and ostriches in Sanandaj (one of the strategic cities in Kurdistan province, Iran). In this study, the contents of some heavy metals (selenium, lead, cadmium, arsenic, cobalt, zinc, nickel, copper, and chromium) were assessed in 170 meat samples collected from meat distribution centers in Sanandaj, Kurdistan province. The ICP-MS method was used to assess the levels of these elements in the meat of beef, sheep, turkey, and ostrich as the main consumed meats in this region. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and one-sample t-test, and the correlation coefficient of the concentrations of metals was also calculated. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the average contents of selenium, nickel, cobalt, and chromium among various meats (P > 0.05). However, the amounts of lead, cadmium, arsenic, zinc, copper, chromium, and nickel were meaningfully different to maximum permissible limits (MPL) (P < 0.05). In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between arsenic and selenium in meats. Except for cobalt, the concentrations of other metals were higher than MPL in the evaluated meats. Despite the target hazard quotient (THQ) for cadmium in sheep and beef meats being higher than their MPL (> 1), its target risk of cancer (TR) was acceptable. It can be concluded that monitoring and elimination of heavy metals pollution are essential because of their high accumulation in the meat of main farm animal species in Sanandaj, Kurdistan province.

Comparing the Influences of Selenium Nanospheres, Sodium Selenite, and Biological Selenium on the Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, and Antioxidative Capacity of Growing Turkey Pullets.

Supplementation of selenium in poultry feed is required in an optimum dose and form for optimizing the growth performance and health status. Selenium nanospheres are suggested as an efficient and alternative to the conventional organic or inorganic forms. The study evaluated the effects of selenium (Se) nanospheres (SeNPs) as an alternative to organic Se (Sel-Plex®) or inorganic Se (sodium selenite, Se(IV Se(IV)) on the growth performance, carcass traits, blood biochemistry, and antioxidative capacity in turkey pullets. A total of 160 1-day-old Bronze turkey poults chicks were divided into four groups with 40 pullets each. The birds were fed on four types of diets as fellow: control (basal diet, 0.01 Se mg/kg), SeNPs (0.43 Se mg/kg), organic Se Sel-Plex® (0.41 Se mg/kg), and inorganic Se(IV) (0.42 Se mg/kg) for 8 weeks. No changes were seen in the body weight gain in growing turkey pullet, but chicks fed with Sel-Plex® form recorded the lowest feed intake (p < 0.05) compared to other treatments. Dietary SeNPs and Se(IV) selenium sources improved the feed conversion ratio compared to other treatments. All Se forms fed on turkey pullets showed higher carcass percentage weight and liver Se content than the control group. However, the gizzard percentage weight in the SeNPs group was lower than in the other treatments (p < 0.05). Birds fed SeNPs, and Sel-Plex® forms supplemental diets had a lower cholesterol concentration (p < 0.05) than the control and Se(IV). While high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration was increased in SeNPs and Se(IV) groups, and total protein concentration was higher in the Se(IV) group. Furthermore, dietary SeNPs reduced (p < 0.05) the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total lipids, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine, uric acid, urea, and malondialdehyde plasma concentrations and increased the glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) and total antioxidative capacity (TAC). In conclusion, the results confirmed that feeding turkey pullets on SeNPs form with the 0.4 Se mg/kg of feed enhanced feed efficiency, growth performance, carcass traits, plasma lipids concentration, and antioxidative capacity.

Effect of methionine chelated Zn and Mn and corn particle size on Large White male turkey live performance and carcass yields.

Most turkey research has been conducted with a regular corn particle size set through phase-feeding programs. This study's first objective was to determine the effect of increasing corn particle size through the feed phases on performance, processing yield, and feed milling energy usage in Large White commercial male turkey production. Zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) are essential microminerals for animals' healthy growth. The source in which these elements are supplied to the bird will determine their bioavailability, effect on bird growth, and subsequent environmental impact. This study's second objective was to measure both inorganic and chelated Zn and Mn sources on turkey performance, turkey carcass processing yields, and subsequent litter residues. Twelve hundred Nicolas Select male poults were randomly assigned to 48 concrete; litter-covered floor pens. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of 2 sources of minerals (organic blend vs. inorganic) formulated to match breeder recommendations and 2 types of corn mean particle size (coarse corn [1,000-3,500 µm] vs. fine corn [276 µm]). The ASABE S319.4 standard was used to measure corn mean particle size. Bird performance, carcass processing yield, litter content of Zn and Mn, and pellet mill energy consumption were analyzed in SAS 9.4 in a mixed model. There was a reduction of pellet mill energy usage of 36% when coarse corn was added post-pelleting. Birds fed increasing coarse corn mean particle size were 250 g lighter on average in body weight (BW) than birds fed a constant control mean particle size. No difference was found in feed intake (FI) or feed conversion ratio (FCR). Birds fed methionine chelated Zn and Mn blended with inorganic mineral sources were 250 g heavier on average than birds fed only an inorganic source of minerals. In addition, feeding an organic blend of Zn and Mn resulted in greater breast meat yield. Litter from birds fed the control corn mean particle size, and inorganic minerals had a higher concentration of Zn in the litter but were not different when the chelated Zn/Mn were fed. In conclusion, increasing the corn mean particle size and adding it post pellet could save money during feed milling; however, birds might have a slightly lower BW. A combination of inorganic and chelated Zn and Mn may improve performance and increase total breast meat yields.

The immune status, oxidative and epigenetic changes in tissues of turkeys fed diets with different ratios of arginine and lysine.

In the present experiment, it was assumed that the appropriate dietary ratio of arginine (Arg) to lysine (Lys) can improve the immune status and growth performance of turkeys. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two inclusion rates of Arg relative to Lys in turkey diets with Lys content consistent with National Research Council (NRC) recommendations or 10% higher on the immune status of birds and indicators of protein and DNA damage due to oxidation, nitration or epigenetic changes. Another goal was to determine which dietary Arg:Lys ratio stimulates the immune response of turkeys vaccinated against Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale. The experiment was performed on 576 turkeys randomly assigned to four groups with two levels of Lys (low = NRC recommendation or high = NRC + 10%) and two levels of Arg (95% or 105% Arg relative to the content of dietary Lys). It was found that the Lys content of turkey diets should be 10% higher than that recommended by the NRC and combined with the higher Arg level (105% of Lys). Although the above Arg:Lys ratio did not improve the growth performance of birds, it stimulated their immune system and reduced protein nitration as well as protein and DNA oxidation.

De-oiled soy lecithin positively influenced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, histological intestinal alteration, and antioxidant status in turkeys fed with low energy diets.

1. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of supplementing an emulsifier (de-oiled soybean lecithin (DSL)) in a low metabolisable energy (ME) diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcase characteristics, intestinal morphology, blood metabolites, and antioxidant status in growing turkeys.2. A total of 480 one-day-old turkeys were assigned to one of four dietary treatments with of eight replicates of 15 birds each. Experimental treatments included a basal diet (BE) with commercially recommended levels of ME, a reduced energy diet (RE) with 0.42 MJ/kg reduction in dietary ME content, the RE diet + 1 g/kg DSL (DSL-1), and RE + 2 g/kg DSL (DSL-2).3. After 112 days, the body weight, average daily gain, and feed:gain in turkeys fed the supplemented for BE diets were better (P < 0.05) than in those fed RE, and those fed diet DSL-2 had the best performance. Although the RE diet decreased abdominal fat and relative liver weight (P < 0.05), compared to the BE diet, and supplementation with either level of DSL did not influence these variables.4. There were linear increases (P < 0.05) in fat digestibility, nitrogen-corrected apparent ME, and duodenal villus height, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and villus surface area in LE diet supplemented with DSL. From the jejunal morphology, crypt depth was decreased by DSL-supplemented diets (P < 0.05).5. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and malondialdehyde concentrations were lower, whereas the serum superoxide dismutase activity was greater for the DSL-2 group compared to the BE and RE groups (P < 0.05).6. The findings suggested that, while low-ME diets impaired turkey growth performance, dietary supplementation of DSL could reverse such impacts of these diets. The DSL-supplemented diet at the inclusion level of 2 g/kg was advantageous over both BE and RE diets in terms of intestinal morphology, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in growing turkeys.