Chicken egg lysozyme enhanced the growth performance, feed utilization, upregulated immune-related genes, and mitigated the impacts of Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromisniloticus).

Functional supplements, including lysozyme, are highly approved as immunostimulant and antibacterial agents with a high potential for use in aquaculture. In this regard, Nile tilapia was treated with lysozyme at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 3 g/kg for 60 days, then challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish were stocked in 15 glass aquaria (70 L each) with an equal initial weight of 10.72 ± 0.71 g per fish and 15 fish per aquarium. The regression analysis revealed that dietary lysozyme supplementation at 1.83-2 g/kg enhanced the growth performance, protein efficiency ratio, and protein productive value while reducing the feed conversion ratio of tilapia. Markedly, tilapia treated with lysozyme had a low mortality rate (30-50 %) compared to the control, which recorded a 70 % mortality rate after 15 days of challenge with A. hydrophila. The regression analysis also revealed that the highest lysozyme activity of tilapia-fed lysozyme for 60 days is achieved by 2.05 g/kg lysozyme. The expression of Nf-κb, IL-1ß, and IL-8 genes is upregulated in tilapia-fed lysozyme at 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 3 g/kg for 60 days before and after A. hydrophila infection. The expression of GPX and CAT genes was higher in tilapia-fed lysozyme at 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 3 g/kg for 60 days before and after A. hydrophila infection. Before infection, the relative transcription of the lysozyme and C3 was upregulated in tilapia-fed lysozyme at 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 3 g/kg. However, lysozyme gene expression in tilapia treated with 0.5 g/kg lysozyme had no significant differences from those fed 0 g/kg lysozyme. After infection, the relative transcription of the lysozyme gene was upregulated in tilapia fed 1 and 1.5 g/kg, while tilapia fed 1 g/kg lysozyme had the highest C3 gene transcription. After infection, the hepatocytes in the livers of fish fed 0 g/kg lysozyme exhibited a noticeable fatty alteration, along with congestion, a light infiltration of inflammatory cells, and the start of necrosed cell regeneration. However, the livers of fish that received lysozyme were normal except for infiltrations of perivascular and interstitial mononuclear cells, depending on the supplementation dose. In conclusion, dietary lysozyme is recommended at 1.83-2.05 g/kg to gain high growth performance, immune response, and high resistance to A. hydrophila in Nile tilapia.

Impacts of supplemental Ginkgo biloba oil on broilers' growth, blood indices, intestinal and hepatic morphology and expression of growth-related genes.

The current work examined the impact of Ginkgo biloba oil (GBO) on growth performance, some biochemical parameters, intestinal and hepatic morphology, economic efficiency and expression of some growth-related genes in broiler chickens. A total of 135 chicks (Cobb 500) were allotted into three groups with 3 replications (15 birds/replicate). The experimental groups included: G1 (control), G2 and G3 were supplemented with GBO in the drinking water (0.25 and 0.5 cm/L), respectively. The GBO was added to the drinking water only for 3 successive weeks. Compared to the other groups, supplementation with 0.25 cm/L GBO significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased final body weight, overall weight gain, feed intake and water consumption. When 0.25 cm GBO/L was added, that group significantly differed in intestinal villus length (P ≤ 0.05). Birds received 0.25 cm GBO/L had significantly greater blood total albumin and total protein concentrations (P ≤ 0.05), while birds given 0.5 cm GBO/L had higher serum cholesterol and LDL concentrations (P ≤ 0.05). The cost parameters were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in the 0.25 cm GBO/L supplemented group, which exhibited higher total return and net profit. The addition of 0.25 cm GBO/L resulted in higher expression of antioxidant enzymes and insulin-like growth factor while inhibiting the expression of Myostatin in muscles (P < 0.05) compared to the control and those received 0.5 cm GBO/L. In conclusion, broiler chickens that received 0.25 cm GBO/L for 3 consecutive days per week had better performance, intestinal morphology, profitability, and antioxidant status than the control birds.

Growing and laying performance of two different-plumage color Japanese quail varieties supplemented with corn silk in their diet.

The current study aimed to investigate the dietary supplementation effect of corn silk (CS) on performance and blood chemistry of brown and white-feathered quails during the grower and layer periods. Japanese quails of brown and white-feathered color (180 birds/variety at 2 wks old) were randomly allotted into three groups with 3 replicates each (n = 20 birds/replicate). Corn silk powder (CS) was supplemented to the basal diet at 0, 1, and 2% of the diet for each quail variety for 1-month growing period, then continued for another 6-wk laying period to assess the egg production and egg quality characteristics. CS supplementation at 1% and 2% for brown and white-feathered quails respectively improved their growth performance (body weight and weight gain), carcass yield, and intestinal villi length with increasing feed consumption but without changes in feed conversion ratio. In both quail varieties, CS addition had a hypolipidemic effect, confirmed by lowering serum triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHO), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) while increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations (P < 0.05) with a clear response observed in white quails than the brown ones. Besides, CS supplementation increased (P = 0.002) hen day egg production in brown feathered quails, while reducing it in the white-feathered quails compared with the CS-free diet. The increased egg production was not significantly (P > 0.05) correlated with lower content of TG and CHO, while significantly increased the antioxidant content in both quail varieties (P < 0.05). Moreover, CS dietary supplementation significantly enhanced (P = 0.003) the yolk color, especially in brown-feathered quail. In conclusion, CS can be safely supplemented to the Japanese quail diet (1% and 2% for brown-feathered and white-feathered quails respectively) to improve growth performance, and egg quality characteristics.

Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder Dietary Inclusion Differentially Modulates the Antioxidant, Inflammatory, and Histopathological Responses of Normal and Aeromonas hydrophila-Infected Mono-Sex Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

This study aimed to detect the impact of Moringa oleifera leaf powder dietary inclusion on the antioxidant and innate immune responses of mono-sex Nile tilapia fingerlings. A total of 180 fingerlings were allocated in a random method into three groups with triplicate each. One group (1st group) received the control diet (basal diet (BD) free of moringa) and the other groups (2nd and 3rd) fed BD containing M. oleifera leaf powder at 5 and 10% of the diet, respectively. After 6 weeks of feeding, fish were randomly redistributed into four replicates and rested for 24 h. Then, each fish in the first two replicates was injected with 0.2 mL of PBS, while the others were injected with 0.2 mL of A. hydrophila suspension (1.8 × 106 CFU/mL). Healthy fish fed on M. oleifera leaf powder showed enhanced immune response manifested by significant increases in phagocytic and lysozyme activities with a marked H/L ratio (P < 0.05). In addition, significant alterations of the lymphocytic and heterophilic population in circulation with increasing infiltration in tissue such as the spleen were noticed. Also, M. oleifera significantly upregulated the antioxidants, CAT and GPx, proinflammatory cytokines, IL1-ß, IL-8, and IFN-γ relative mRNA levels. On the other hand, following A. hydrophila challenging conditions, M. oleifera caused downregulations of IL1-ß, IL-8, and IFN-γ transcription levels, and also lowered the CAT and GPx mRNA levels. In addition, a marked reduction of leukocytic infiltration plus a significant improvement of the degenerative changes in intestinal architecture has occurred. So, M. oleifera leaf powder can be included in the fish diet to enhance immune response under normal health conditions and lower the infection-associated inflammatory response.

Betaine and related compounds: Chemistry, metabolism and role in mitigating heat stress in poultry.

Betaine can operate as an osmolyte and a methyl donor. Betaine is an osmolyte and a methyl donor. Betaine is likewise a zwitterion with osmotic capabilities that can help an animal cope with osmotic stress. Previous investigations have suggested that betaine has various impacts, albeit these studies do not consistently provide the same results. Dietary betaine has received a lot of attention owing to its osmoprotectant, methionine-sparing and antioxidant properties. Betaine is extensively assessed concerning performance and body composition. The tolerance to high temperatures, flock livability, and breast meat output is among the factors frequently mentioned in the literature as being altered by betaine. Betaine, a multi-nutritional agent, may help poultry resist heat stress and poor management. A common subject of betaine research is the idea of betaine saving some methionine. Although research on betaine may not always come to the same results, some discoveries repeat themselves. Because of their effectiveness in increasing growth performance, feed utilization, meat quality, and alleviating heat stress in chicken farms, betaine and methionine are extensively used as feed supplements in poultry diets. This review highlights the influences of betaine on poultry performance, meat quality, carcass characteristics, antioxidant activity, in addition to its role in mitigating heat stress.

Corrigendum: Moringa oleifera leaf powder dietary inclusion differentially modulates the antioxidant, inflammatory, and histopathological responses of normal and Aeromonas hydrophila-infected mono-sex Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.918933.].

Dietary Fiber and Lysolecithin Supplementation in Growing Ducks: Effect on Performance, Immune Response, Intestinal Morphology and Lipid Metabolism-Regulating Genes.

The impact of different dietary fiber (DF) levels (with or without lysolecithin supplementation) on growth performance, immune response, expression of some lipid regulating genes and intestinal morphology was assessed in 408 Pekin ducks for 2 months. Soybean hulls were added to the diet to provide four different levels of DF: 2.4 (control diet), 3.8, 5.3, and 6.7% for the first four groups, respectively, while groups 5 to 8 fed the same four levels of DF with lysolecithin addition. Increasing dietary DF non-significantly reduced (p > 0.05) the ducks' body weight (BW). However, ducks fed on 3.8% DF showed higher BW and improved feed conversion ratio. Lysolecithin supplementation with different DF did not support growth performance. Increasing DF with or without lysolecithin had no effect on serum lipid profile (p > 0.05). However, serum high-density lipoproteins (HDL) concentration was significantly increased with increasing fiber level in diet (p ˂ 0.05). Increasing DF with or without lysolecithin addition increased serum antioxidant activities and improved the immune response in terms of phagocytic and lysozyme activities. The DF level reduced the duodenal villi length and mucosal layer thickness while increased the villi width (p ˂ 0.05). Lysolecithin supplementation to diets ameliorated adverse effects on intestinal morphology. Moreover, DF level in ducks' diet with or without lysolecithin significantly upregulated the expression of fatty acid synthase and lipoprotein lipase (p ˂ 0.05). Thus, it could be concluded that ducks fed on soybean hulls containing a diet at the level of 4.5% and providing 3.8% fiber level with or without lysolecithin showed the best performance.

Stress and immunity in poultry: light management and nanotechnology as effective immune enhancers to fight stress.

The poultry industry plays a significant role in boosting the economy of several countries, particularly developing countries, and acts as a good, cheap, and affordable source of animal protein. A stress-free environment is the main target in poultry production. There are several stressors, such as cold stress, heat stress, high stocking density, and diseases that can affect birds and cause several deleterious changes. Stress reduces feed intake and growth, as well as impairs immune response and function, resulting in high disease susceptibility. These effects are correlated with higher corticosteroid levels that modulate several immune pathways such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and Toll-like receptor signaling along with induction of excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thus oxidative stress. Several approaches have been considered to boost bird immunity to overcome stress-associated effects. Of these, dietary supplementation of certain nutrients and management modifications, such as light management, are commonly considered. Dietary supplementations improve bird immunity by improving the development of lymphoid tissues and triggering beneficial immune modulators and responses. Since nano-minerals have higher bioavailability compared to inorganic or organic forms, they are highly recommended to be included in the bird's diet during stress. Additionally, light management is considered a cheap and safe approach to control stress. Changing light from continuous to intermittent and using monochromatic light instead of the normal light improve bird performance and health. Such changes in light management are associated with a reduction of ROS production and increased antioxidant production. In this review, we discuss the impact of stress on the immune system of birds and the transcriptome of oxidative stress and immune-related genes, in addition, how nano-minerals supplementations and light system modulate or mitigate stress-associated effects.

Use of Corn Silk Meal in Broiler Diet: Effect on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, Immunological Responses, and Growth-Related Gene Expression.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of diets supplemented with corn silk meal (CSM) and non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) enzyme on growth performance, blood biochemistry, immunological response, and growth-related gene expression in broiler chickens. A total of 270 broiler chickens were divided into six experimental groups: (1) basal diets (BD) as control; (2) BD supplemented with 0.5 g/kg feed NSP enzyme; the other four groups are CSM diets as following; (3) and (4) fed diet contain 40 and 80 kg/ton of CSM; (5) and (6) fed diet contain 40 and 80 kg/ton CSM and supplemented with 0.5 g/kg NSP enzyme. Body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein retention and fiber digestibility were synergistically improved (p < 0.05) when fed CSM supplemented with NSP enzyme. Moreover, a synergistic decrease (p < 0.05) in the serum glucose and total cholesterol were found. Immune organ weights and Newcastle disease virus titers were increased with CSM diets. Interestingly, the relative mRNAs of the growth hormone receptor (GHR) and insulin growth factor (IGF) were increased (p < 0.05) with the CSM and NSP enzyme: the relative mRNA expressions of cholecystokinin (CCK) and leptin were decreased by feeding CSM diets with the NSP enzyme. It could be concluded that the dietary inclusion of CSM with the NSP enzyme might improve growth performance, modify plasma lipids, and enhance immune response in broilers.

Developmental toxicity of carbon nanoparticles during embryogenesis in chicken.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are very small particles present in a wide range of materials. There is a dearth of knowledge regarding their potential secondary effects on the health of living organisms and the environment. Increasing research attention, however, has been directed toward determining the effects on humans exposed to NPs in the environment. Although the majority of studies focus on adult animals or populations, embryos of various species are considered more susceptible to environmental effects and pollutants. Hence, research studies dealing mainly with the impacts of NPs on embryogenesis have emerged recently, as this has become a major concern. Chicken embryos occupy a special place among animal models used in toxicity and developmental investigations and have also contributed significantly to the fields of genetics, virology, immunology, cell biology, and cancer. Their rapid development and easy accessibility for experimental observance and manipulation are just a few of the advantages that have made them the vertebrate model of choice for more than two millennia. The early stages of chicken embryogenesis, which are characterized by rapid embryonic growth, provide a sensitive model for studying the possible toxic effects on organ development, body weight, and oxidative stress. The objective of this review was to evaluate the toxicity of various types of carbon black nanomaterials administered at the beginning of embryogenesis in a chicken embryo model. In addition, the effects of diamond and graphene NPs and carbon nanotubes are reviewed.

Role of gamma-aminobutyric acid in regulating feed intake in commercial broilers reared under normal and heat stress conditions.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary GABA supplementation on blood biochemical parameters, the overall growth performance, and the relative mRNA expression of some FI- regulating genes in broiler chickens. A total of 192, three-day old chicks of mixed sex from two commercial broiler strains (Ross 308 and Cobb 500) were distributed into 2 groups; a control group and GABA-supplemented group (100 mg/kg diet). When the chicks reached 21 days of age, each group of each strain was randomly subdivided into two subgroups: one was exposed to HS (33 ±â€¯2 °C for 5 h/day for 2 weeks), while the other remained at thermoneutral temperature (24 °C). GABA significantly improved bird growth performance under normal and HS conditions, by increasing body weight (BW), weight gain (WG), and FI and significantly reduced the elevated body temperature of birds under HS. GABA supplementation increased FI by reducing the mRNA expression levels of FI-inhibiting neuropeptides, such as POMC, leptin, Ghrelin, and CCK, during HS and by increasing the expression of FI-stimulating neuropeptides such as AgRP and NPY. Moreover, GABA significantly altered FAS and ACC gene expression, resulting in significant increases in abdominal fat content in birds reared normally. In contrast, GABA lowered fat content in Cobb birds and increased it in Ross birds under HS. Therefore, GABA (100 mg/kg diet) is a strong FI-stimulating neurotransmitter and its regulatory effects depend on broiler strain and housing temperature.

Pattern of CD14, CD16, CD163 and CD172a expression on water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) leukocytes.

Previous studies on the immune system of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) using cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) revealed significant similarities and differences to the bovine immune system. Herein, we extend these studies and document the pattern of expression of CD14, CD16, CD163 and CD172a on buffalo leukocytes using a set of cross-reactive mAbs that are known to recognize conserved epitopes within orthologous molecules in cattle, sheep and goats. Buffalo leukocytes were isolated and subjected to mAb labelling for flow cytometry. Single color flow cytometry confirmed mAbs recognition of buffalo orthologues of CD14, CD16, CD163 and CD172a, and revealed consistent patterns of expression similar to that reported in other ruminants. Multicolor flow cytometry revealed that buffalo CD14+ monocytes uniquely co-express CD16, CD163 and CD172a, whereas buffalo granulocytes co-express CD16 and CD172a. This study expands mAbs available to define and study the buffalo monocytes, and also extends information available on the unique features of the buffalo immune system.

Ameliorative effect of dietary supplementation of copper oxide nanoparticles on inflammatory and immune reponses in commercial broiler under normal and heat-stress housing conditions.

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most serious adverse conditions that affect poultry causing immunosuppression and decreasing production. In a novel approach, we investigated effects of supplementing copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) on the immune response in two commercial broiler strains (Ross 308 and Cobb 500). At one day old, birds were divided into 3 groups with 3 replicates for each. The first group received diet supplemented with 100% of their recommended copper requirements as CuO while, in the second and third groups, birds were given diets supplemented with 100% and 50% of the recommended Cu requirements in the form of CuO-NPs, respectively. At age of 21 day, each group was subdivided randomly into normal (24 ±â€¯2 °C) and heat stressed (33 ±â€¯2 °C for 5 h per day for two successive weeks) groups. Under normal housing temperature, CuO-NPs, significantly enhanced the immune response in these birds, compared to CuO shown by the increased levels of phagocytic activity (PA), lysozyme serum activity, and by upregulating immune-modulator genes including NF-κß, PGES, IL-1ß, TGF-1ß, IFN-γ, BAX and CASP8. The responses were different between the two studied strains especially at the level of gene expression. In HS birds, supplementation of CuO-NPs reduced HS induced inflammatory conditions, as shown by lower gene expression levels, lower degenerative changes in the spleen, and altered heterophils/lymphocytes (H/L) ratio. We suggest CuO-NPs supplementation, especially in those chickens that received diet supplemented with 50% of their recommended Cu requirements, could be used under normal housing temperature to enhance the birds' immune response, and during HS to lower heat stress-induced degenerative changes depending on the magnitude of the HS.

Probiotics and plant-derived compounds as eco-friendly agents to inhibit microbial toxins in poultry feed: a comprehensive review.

Some of pathogenic bacteria and fungi have the ability to produce fetal toxins which may be the direct causes of cytotoxicity or cellular dysfunction in the colonization site. Biological and non-biological environmental factors, challenge and microbes influence the effect of toxins on these pathogens. Modern research mentions that many natural materials can reduce the production of toxins in pathogenic microbes. However, researches that explain the mechanical theories of their effects are meager. This review aimed to discuss the ameliorative potential role of plant-derived compounds and probiotics to reduce the toxin production of food-borne microbes either in poultry bodies or poultry feedstuff. Moreover, studies that highlight their own toxicological mechanisms have been discussed. Adding natural additives to feed has a clear positive effect on the enzymatic and microbiological appearance of the small intestine without any adverse effect on the liver. Studies in this respect were proposed to clarify the effects of these natural additives for feed. In conclusion, it could be suggested that the incorporation of probiotics, herbal extracts, and herbs in the poultry diets has some beneficial effects on productive performance, without a positive impact on economic efficiency. In addition, the use of these natural additives in feed has a useful impact on the microbiological appearance of the small intestine and do not have any adverse impacts on intestinal absorption or liver activity as evidenced by histological examination.