Malva sylvestris leaf powder as a feed additive affects the performance, carcass traits, meat quality attributes, serum antioxidants, stress physiology, intestinal bacterial counts, and gut morphology of broiler chicken.

This study investigated the effect of supplementation of Malva sylvestris leaf powder (MSLP) on the production performance of broiler chicken. Ven Cobb broiler chicks (240 day-old male chicks) were distributed randomly into four treatments, each replicated four times, with 15 birds per replicate. The diets formulated were T1 (control) given basal diet only, T2 (basal diet +1.0% MSLP), T3 (basal diet +1.5% MSLP), and T4 (basal diet +2.0% MSLP). The highest improvement of 3.83% in the average daily gain (ADG) was recorded in the T3 group fed 1.5% Malva powder in the diet compared to the control (P = 0.009). The average daily feed intake (ADFI) tended to decrease with an increase in the dose of MSLP in the diet, with the lowest feed intake in the T4 group fed 2% MSLP. During the overall period (7-42 days), the feed/gain (F/G) ratio reduced significantly (P = 0.048) in the T3 and T4 groups compared to the control. The dressed and breast meat yield was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the T3 group, with no significant change (P > 0.05) in the thigh yield. The changes in the pH and water-holding capacity (WHC) of breast meat were found to be non-significant (p > 0.05) between the control and various other treatments. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the T3 and T4 groups. There was no negative effect of including MSLP in the diet on the color coordinates of breast meat among different treatments. Compared to the control, the serum immunoglobulin values increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the T3 and T4 groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed no difference between various treatments; however, malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) according to dietary treatments. Serum cortisol increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the T4 group compared to other treatments. The inclusion of Malva powder in the diet at the 2% level significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the coliform count compared to the control birds. Supplementation with Malva powder resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the villus height-to-crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio of broiler birds in the T3 and T4 groups. In conclusion, MSLP supplementation at 1.5% and 2% resulted in improved production performance of broiler chicken.

Effect of butyrate sources in a high-concentrate diet on rumen structure and function in growing rams.

Dietary butyrate is considered to have mostly positive impacts on the ruminal epithelium. However, its supplementation in a high-concentrate diet may not be justified as excessive ruminal butyrate may negatively affect the rumen. Furthermore, butyrate impact on the rumen may depend on its source. Thirty-two Swiniarka growing rams (30.6 ± 2.5 kg; 11-14 months of age) were used to investigate the effect of a high-concentrate diet and sodium butyrate (SB) or tributyrin (TB) supplementation in a high-concentrate diet on the rumen structure and selected functions. The rams were allocated to four treatments and fed diets with: (1) low concentrate inclusion (22.5% of diet DM; L); (2) high concentrate inclusion (60% of diet DM; H); (3) H with SB (3.2% of diet DM; H+SB); and (4) H with TB (2.93% of diet DM; H+TB). The preplanned contrasts were used for treatment comparisons (L vs H treatments (H, H+SB, and H+TB), H vs H+SB, and H vs H+TB). The BW, BW gain and DM intake did not differ between treatments. In the atrium ruminis, epithelium thickness did not differ between the L and H treatments (P = 0.46), tended to be higher for H+SB than for H (P = 0.09) but did not differ between H+TB and H (P = 0.61). The expression of downregulated in adenoma was higher for L than for H treatments (P = 0.03) but was not affected by SB or TB supplementation (P ≥ 0.26). In the ventral rumen, the mucosa surface and epithelium thickness were lower for L than for H treatments (P < 0.01), were or tended to be higher for H+SB than for H (P ≤ 0.06) but did not differ between H+TB and H (P ≥ 0.26). The expression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 was lower for L than for H treatments (P = 0.02) but was not affected by SB or TB supplementation (P ≥ 0.28). The expression of putative anion transporter-1 and downregulated in adenoma did not differ between the L and H treatments (P ≥ 0.76); however, expression of the former tended to be higher and the latter tended to be lower for H+SB than for H (P ≤ 0.09), whereas no differences were observed between H+TB and H (P ≥ 0.14). In summary, SB supplementation, but not TB supplementation, in a high-concentrate diet stimulated ruminal epithelium growth and affected short-chain fatty acid transporters expression in the ruminal epithelium.

The anticoccidial effects of probiotics and prebiotics on the live coccidia vaccine and the subsequent influence on poultry performance post-challenge with mixed Eimeria species.

Live vaccines containing Eimeria oocysts are commercially available to protect against avian coccidiosis. Additionally, probiotics (PRO) and prebiotics (PRE) improve the poultry productivity and health and can be used as anticoccidial substitutes. However, the impact of PRO and PRE on reproductive potential, lesion score, intestinal health, and immunization outcomes of the live coccidia vaccines has not received adequate attention. Five groups of unsexed 1-day-old broiler chicks were used as follows: negative control (NC); challenged control (CC); vaccinated and challenged (VC); vaccinated, PRO-treated, and challenged (V-PRO); and vaccinated, PRE-treated, and challenged (V-PRE). At 21 d post-vaccination (pv), the vaccine increased the count of cecal anaerobes (P ≤ 0.05) and coliforms (P > 0.05) as well as harmed body weight gain (WG) (P ≤ 0.05), cecal lactic acid bacteria (P ≤ 0.05), and plasma carotenoid level (P > 0.05). None of the additives decreased oocyst shedding after vaccination, although they lowered the middle intestine and cecal lesion scores (P > 0.05). Compared to VC (2.68 ± 0.12) and V-PRE (2.66 ± 0.05), the V-PRO group showed an improved carotenoid level pv (2.96 ± 0.05) (P ≤ 0.05). V-PRE exhibited higher WG (822.95 ± 18.25) (P > 0.05) and FI (1153.01 ± 10.02) (P ≤ 0.05) than VC (781.86 ± 25.16 and 1109.85 ± 33.68) and V-PRO pv (787.61 ± 19.92 and 1077.43 ± 15.99). Following the homologous coccidia challenge, coccidia-vaccinated broilers adminstered the PRO or PRE continued to exhibit protection levels comparable to those received the vaccine alone. During 2 weeks post-challenge, VC, V-PRO and V-PRE improved bird performance and reduced oocyst shedding and lesion scores compared to CC. Ultimately, PRO and PRE treatments did not significantly reverse the reduction in growth performance in broiler chickens vaccinated against coccidia during the 1st three weeks of age.

The growth-promoting effect of water extract of Chuanminshen violaceum stem and leaf on broilers.

Currently, developing nonantibiotic growth promoters is a broad consensus in broiler industry, which is one of the effective ways to reduce drug-resistant strains. Chuanminshen violaceum is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that is commonly used for its roots, while the stems and leaves are often discarded, resulting in a huge amount of waste. This study optimized the preparation process of water extract of Chuanminshen violaceum stems and leaves (CVSLE) by response surface analysis based on the yields of polysaccharide and protein. The CVSLE and herbal powder (CVSL) were then processed into granules before being used as feed additives. The Macleaya cordata powder was used as positive control. The results showed that the addition of CVSLE (0.5% of the feed) showed the highest growth-promoting activity than other CVSLE groups (0.2% and 1%), 1% CVSL group and positive control (0.05%). CVSLE at the dosage of 0.5% could significantly increase the ADG and reduce the FCR from d 21 to 42, d 0 to 42. The HI antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus and avian influenza virus were significantly enhanced at 21, 28 and 42 d. CVSLE did not affect the slaughtering performances, but could significantly elevate the spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius indices and the transcriptional levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ in spleen. The intestinal barrier function of broilers was significantly enhanced by increased levels of immune barrier (sIgA), physical barrier (ZO-1, OCL and Muc-2) and flora barrier (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium). These results suggest that CVSLE was a promising herbal additive candidate for broilers.

Dietary supplementation with a blend composed of carvacrol, tannic acid derived from Castanea sativa and Glycyrrhiza glabra, and glycerides of medium chain fatty acids for weanling piglets raised in commercial farm.

This study aimed to evaluate the dietary administration of a blend composed of carvacrol, tannic acid derived from Castanea sativa mill and Glycyrrhiza glabra, medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) glycerides for weanling piglets. An in vitro digestion followed by total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant activity (TAC) assessment was performed before the in vivo application. At weaning, a total of 210 piglets were randomly allocated to two experimental treatments (7 replicates/15 piglets for each replicate). Control group (CTR) was fed a standard basal diet while the treated group (T) was fed the basal diet mixed with 1.500 mg/kg of blend. After in vitro digestion, TPC and TAC evidenced peaks at the end of oral and gastric phases in comparison to the intestinal one in line with the high content of phenolic compound (P < 0.05). Treatment conditioned body weight and average daily gain (P < 0.05), fecal score on 6, 7, and 8 d after weaning (P < 0.05). At 35d, the T group showed a decrease in salivary cortisol compared to CTR (P < 0.05). Duodenum and jejunum sections of T piglets revealed higher villi (P < 0.05), deeper crypts (P < 0.01), and increased V/C ratio (P < 0.01). CTR showed a higher expression of duodenal Occludin (P < 0.05). Jejunal E-cadherin and Occludin were more expressed in T jejunum sections (P < 0.05). Twelve differentially abundant genera were identified in T group caecal samples. Potentially harmful Clostridium sensu stricto 13 was reduced by the treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the tested blend positively affected salivary stress markers and the gut health of weaned piglets.

A multitissue transcriptomic analysis reveals a potential mechanism whereby Brevibacillus laterosporus S62-9 promotes broiler growth.

Brevibacillus laterosporus S62-9 has been shown to improve broiler growth performance and immunity. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of B. laterosporus S62-9 on the immunity and lipid metabolism of broilers by means of transcriptomic analysis. A total of 160 1-day-old broilers were randomly allocated to a S62-9 group, the diet of which was supplemented with 106 CFU/g B. laterosporus S62-9 daily, and a control group, which was not. After 42 d of feeding, the broilers in the S62-9 group had higher body mass (7.2%) and feed conversion ratio (5.19%) than the control group. Supplementation with B. laterosporus S62-9 resulted in lower serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations and higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations. An analysis of the fatty acid composition of the broiler's thigh muscles revealed that the proportions of the unsaturated fatty acids myristoleic acid (C14:1) and arachidonic acid (C20:1) were higher for birds in the S62-9 group. Transcriptomic analysis also showed an upregulation of immunity-related genes in the S62-9 group. Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis showed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway was enriched in the liver, the defense response was enriched in the duodenum, and immunoglobulin-related entries were enriched in the jejunum of the S62-9 group. Furthermore, the expression of key genes involved in unsaturated fatty acid synthesis (SCD, encoding stearoyl-CoA desaturase) and fatty acid metabolism (HACD2, encoding 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase 2) was upregulated in the liver, and the expression of genes associated with fat biosynthesis and accumulation, such as PLIN1, encoding perilipin 1, and FABP4, encoding fatty acid binding protein 4, was upregulated in the ileum of the birds in the S62-9 group. In summary, supplementation with B. laterosporus S62-9 could improve immune defense and the fatty acid metabolism of broiler chickens, thereby enhancing their disease resistance and promoting growth and development.

Application of butyric acid as a feed additive for improving quail performance and health.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary butyric acid (BA) on the Japanese quail' performance, immunology, lipid profile, cecal microbiota, and antioxidant levels. 250 unsexed, one-week-old quail chicks were divided into 5 groups, each with fifty chicks (5 replicates of 10 chicks). The first group was given the basal diet (BD), while the 2nd to 5th groups were fed BD with 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg BA/kg, respectively. The results indicated that BA improved weight gain and FCR (p < 0.05) and decreased total FI. The 200 mg BA/kg of diet showed the lowest FI (p < 0.05) and the best FCR (p > 0.05). BA boosted immunity through increasing IgA, IgM, IgG, and Complement 3. Significantly lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were observed at 150 and 200 mg BA/kg (P < 0.05) than the control group. The BA-supplemented quail showed lower total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) than the control one. This effect was more pronounced for 100 and 200 mg of BA/kg. However, high low-density lipoprotein (HDL) did not differ from the control group (p > 0.05). BA at ≥100 mg/kg diet reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and induced greater levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), globulin, total protein, digestive enzymes than the control group (P < 0.05). BA decreased cecal E. coli, Salmonella, Enterococcus, and Coliforms and increased Lactic acid bacteria (p < 0.05) compared to non-supplemented group. Collectively, the inclusion of 100 mg BA/kg diet is ideal for Japanese quail production and health.

The effect of peanut skins as a natural antimicrobial feed additive on ileal and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens inoculated with Salmonella enterica Enteritidis.

The consumption of poultry products contaminated with Salmonella species is one of the most common causes of Salmonella infections. In vivo studies demonstrated the potential application of peanut skins (PS) as an antimicrobial poultry feed additive to help mitigate the proliferation of Salmonella in poultry environments. Tons of PS, a waste by-product of the peanut industry, are generated and disposed in U.S. landfills annually. Peanut skins and extracts have been shown to possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Hence, we aimed to determine the effect of PS as a feed additive on the gut microbiota of broilers fed a control or PS supplemented (4% inclusion) diet and inoculated with or without Salmonella enterica Enteritidis (SE). At hatch 160 male broilers were randomly assigned to 4 treatments: 1) CON-control diet without SE, 2) PS-PS diet without SE, 3) CONSE-control diet with SE, 4) PSSE-PS diet with SE. On d 3, birds from CONSE and PSSE treatments were inoculated with 4.2 × 109 CFU/mL SE. At termination (4 wk), 10 birds/treatment were euthanized and ileal and cecal contents were collected for 16S rRNA analysis using standard methodologies. Sequencing data were analyzed using QIIME2. No effect of PS or SE was observed on ileal alpha and beta diversity, while evenness, richness, number of amplicon sequence variants (ASV) and Shannon, as well as beta diversity were significantly (P < 0.05) affected in ceca. Similarly, more differentially abundant taxa between treatment groups were identified in ceca than in ileum. However, more microbiota functional changes, based on the PICRUST2 prediction, were observed in ileum. Overall, relatively minor changes in microbiota were observed during SE infection and PS treatment, suggesting that PS addition may not attenuate the SE proliferation, as shown previously, through modulation of microbiota in gastrointestinal tract. However, while further studies are warranted, these results suggest that PS may potentially serve as a functional feed additive for poultry for improvement of animal health.

Sulforaphane modulates some stress parameters in TPT-exposed Cyprinus carpio in relation to liver metabolome.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of sulforaphane (SFN) on liver injury induced by triphenyltin (TPT) in Cyprinus carpio (C. carpio). The fish (average weight of 56.9±0.4 g) were divided into 4 groups with four replicates: the control, TPT, SFN+TPT and SFN groups. Twenty fish were selected from each tank and cultured for 8 weeks. Then, serum and liver samples were collected for physiological, biochemical and metabolomic analyses. In the present study, TPT downregulated the expression of the lysozyme gene, upregulated HSP70 and Hsp90 gene expression, and decreased the activities of serum antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPX). However, dietary SFN alleviated oxidative stress, and prevented changes in immune genes. Metabolomic analysis revealed that TPT exposure changed key metabolites in the main phenylalanine, fatty acid and glycerophosphatide metabolic pathways, which are related to inflammation, oxidative stress and immunity and might also lead to an imbalance of liver energy and lipid metabolism. Dietary SFN promoted amino acid metabolism and increased metabolites related to immunity, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and protein synthesis in liver of C. carpio. In summary, dietary SFN supplementation reversed TPT-induced decreases in immunity and oxidative stress and regulated amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, inflammation and immunity-related metabolic pathways.

Probiotic, fructooligosaccharide and yeast extract mixture improves gut health in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.

The present study investigated the effects of a feed additive (FA) containing a probiotic consortium, fructooligosaccharide and yeast extract on growth performance, humoral immune responses, hepatic antioxidant parameters and intestine digestive enzymes, morphology and transcripts in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. The fish were reared for 8 weeks, feeding on diets containing 0 (CNT), 0.3 (0.3FA), 1 (1FA) and 2 (2FA) g/kg FA. The results showed that fish growth parameters were significantly and quadratically related to FA levels and FA treatments had better growth performance than CNT treatment. Intestinal amylase activity significantly increased in 2FA, whereas, intestinal protease activity increased in all FA treatments. Intestinal villus length and muscular layer thickness significantly increased in 0.3FA treatment. Blood leucocyte and lymphocyte counts, plasma lysozyme activity and hepatic glutathione content significantly increased in 0.3FA and 1FA treatments; whereas hepatic malondialdehyde significantly decreased in these treatments. Blood neutrophil and monocyte counts significantly increased in 0.3FA treatment, while plasma alternative complement activity significantly increased in 1FA treatments. Plasma bactericidal activities against Aeromonas hydrophila, Yersinia ruckeri and Streptococcus iniae, and intestinal expression of heat shock protein 70 and beta-defensin significantly increased in all FA treatments. The abundance of A. hydrophila, Y. ruckeri and S. iniae in fish gut significantly decreased in 0.3FA treatment; these bacteria were absent in the intestines of 1FA and 2FA treatments. The present results suggest that dietary 0.3-1 g/kg of FA can significantly improve growth performance, immune response, intestinal health and hepatic antioxidant capacity in rainbow trout.

Mannan oligosaccharide as an alternative to infeed antibiotics to improve growth performance of broilers: a meta-analysis.

1. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) on feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers.2. Data from 75,594 broilers were extracted from 17 articles (19 trials) published between January 2010 and March 2023. The main criteria for the publication selection were as follows, at least three treatments applied (negative control group without MOS or AGP versus MOS or AGP supplementation), presence of performance results, and intra-experimental variation associated with the mean of response (such as standard error). Treatments were classified as control, MOS, or AGP, and adjusted means of treatment were compared. Additionally, the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of each type of supplementation were calculated relative (Δ) to the control group (ΔADFI and ΔADG) and expressed as a percentage of the difference.3. Broilers receiving a diet supplemented with MOS had a 3.7% better BWG and 3% better FCR compared to the control diet (P < 0.001), but these variables were similar to the group receiving AGP supplementation. No significant difference was detected in FI among treatments (P > 0.050). The relationship between ΔADG and ΔADFI was linear for the MOS and AGP-supplemented group (P < 0.050). The ΔADG of broilers fed diets supplemented with MOS or AGP was 6.4% and 4.54% when ΔADFI was zero, respectively. The ΔADG of MOS increased by 0.58% for every 1% of increasing observed in ΔADFI. The corresponding value for the increased ΔADG for the AGP group was 0.69%.4. The results of this meta-analysis indicated that MOS supplementation is effective in increasing BWG and reducing FCR, similar to broilers fed a diet supplemented with AGP. Therefore, MOS is a safe and sustainable alternative for AGP-free poultry production.

Achyranthes japonica extract as phytogenic feed additive enhanced nutrient digestibility and growth performance in broiler.

Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE) is derived from a medicinal plant Achyranthes japonica, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. AJE contains multiple bioactive compounds, including saponins, triterpenoids, phytoecdysteroids, 20-hydroxyecdysone, and inokosterone. The aim of this investigation was to examine the impact of AJE as a phytogenic feed additive on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, excreta microbial count, noxious gas emissions, breast meat quality in broilers. About three hundred and sixty, day-old broilers (Ross 308) were assigned into four treatments (five replication cages/treatment, and 18 birds/cage). Dietary treatments: CON, basal diet; 0.02% AJE, basal diet with 0.02%; 0.04% AJE, basal diet with 0.04% AJE, and 0.06% AJE, basal diet with 0.06% of AJE. Body weight gain increased linearly (p < 0.05) through the inclusion of AJE during days 7 to 21, 21 to 35, as well as the entire experimental period. Besides, feed intake increased (p < 0.05) linearly during days 21 to 35 and the entire experiment with the increased AJE doses in broiler diet. Dry matter digestibility was increased (p < 0.05) linearly along with increasing amounts of AJE. With increasing AJE supplementation, nitrogen and energy utilization tended to improve (p < 0.10). In summary, the addition of AJE in the corn-soybean meal diet led to higher body weight gain and increased feed intake as well as enhanced nutrient digestibility, among them the highest improvement was found in 0.06%-AJE indicating the acceptance of AJE as a phytogenic feed additive.

Effects of Centella asiatica Extracts on Rumen In Vitro Fermentation Characteristics and Digestibility.

Two in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Centella asiatica extract (CAE) supplementation on the rumen's in vitro fermentation characteristics. In the first experiment, CAE with five concentrations (C: 0%; T1: 3.05%; T2: 6.1%; T3: 12.2%; and T4: 24.4% CAE in diet) was supplemented in the rumen fluid and incubated for 6, 24, and 48 h to determine the optimal dosage. The total gas and methane production increased in all incubation times, and the total volatile fatty acids increased at 6 and 48 h. Ammonia nitrogen, branched chain volatile fatty acids, acetate, and butyrate were increased by CAE supplementation. T1 was chosen as the optimal dosage based on the total volatile fatty acids, branched chain volatile fatty acids, and ammonia nitrogen production. The CAE with the identified optimal dosage (T1) was incubated to identify its effect on the rumen's in vitro degradability in the second experiment. The CAE supplementation did not influence the in vitro dry matter, crude protein, or neutral detergent fiber degradability. In conclusion, CAE has no CH4 abatement or digestion promotion effects. However, CAE could be utilized as a feed additive to increase the rumen's total volatile fatty acid production without an adverse effect on the in vitro dry matter, crude protein, or neutral detergent fiber degradability.

Dietary Spirulina effects in Eimeria-challenged broiler chickens: growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, serum biomarkers, and gene expression.

This study investigated the growth performance, nutrient utilization, and intestinal health responses of Eimeria-challenged broiler chickens to dietary Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). On day 1, birds were assigned to 2 diets supplemented with Spirulina (0 or 5 g/kg) in a randomized complete block design. The birds within each diet were divided into 2 Eimeria-challenge groups (challenge or no-challenge) and that resulted in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 levels each of Spirulina and challenge on day 14. On day 15, the birds in the challenge or no-challenge groups were orally gavaged with a solution containing Eimeria oocysts or 1% PBS, respectively. Samples were collected on days 21 and 26 (6- and 11-d post-infection; dpi). Data collected from days 1 to 26 were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Birds that were fed Spirulina-supplemented diets had increased (P < 0.05) BW gain, gain-to-feed ratio, and total tract retention nitrogen from days 14 to 21. The ileal villus perimeter and area, serum catalase, HMOX1 and SOD1 jejunal abundance were all increased (P < 0.05) in birds fed Spirulina-supplemented diets on day 21 (6 dpi). However, there was no effect on bone ash or oocyst count. From days 21 to 26, there was a tendency (P = 0.059) for a Spirulina × Challenge interaction on the BW gain of birds. Moreover, dietary Spirulina addition increased (P < 0.05) serum catalase, total antioxidant capacity, ileal villus perimeter, tibia bone ash, and the relative mRNA expression of HMOX1, SOD1, claudin 1, and TNFα in the jejunal mucosa of birds on day 26 (11 dpi). On both 6 and 11 dpi, the Eimeria challenge negatively (P < 0.05) impacted growth performance, gut morphology, and the relative mRNA expression of genes. Overall, assessing the impact of Spirulina in broilers revealed its positive antioxidant, immune-modulating, and health benefits. However, its dietary addition did not completely reverse the Eimeria-induced effects in these birds. Ultimately, this study outlines the positive properties of dietary Spirulina beyond its use in the diet of healthy broiler chickens.

In recent years, nutritional strategies for managing coccidiosis in broiler chickens have focused on feed additives, amino acids, and minerals. Spirulina, a cyanobacterium, is a feed additive rich in bioactive compounds like phycocyanin, polysaccharides, B vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and carotenoids. These compounds confer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties to Spirulina. While Spirulina has been extensively explored as a health supplement in humans, its dietary application in broiler chickens and pigs is now gaining attention. Additionally, its potential to combat the Eimeria-induced effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and health in birds has not been adequately addressed. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Spirulina on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response, bone mineral deposition, and serum phosphorus in Eimeria-challenged broiler chickens. Results from this study showed that the positive properties of dietary Spirulina extend beyond its use in the diet of healthy broiler chickens as it reduced some of the negative impact of an Eimeria infection in birds.

Anthelmintic effects of Podang mango (Mangifera indica) fruit peel waste extract through in vivo application on Indonesian Etawa goat production and health.

Background and Aim: The continuous use of anthelmintic drugs has led to global issues of resistance. One breakthrough to address this problem is the utilization of bio-anthelmintics derived from active compounds in agro-industrial waste. This in vivo study investigated the effectiveness of Podang mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit peel waste extract for anthelmintic purposes, using concentrations up to 5%. Materials and Methods: This study included 28 Etawa crossbred goats aged 17 months. Goats were randomly assigned to four groups: A negative control, an aqueous fruit peel extract (AFPE) group at 2.5%, another AFPE group at 5%, and a positive control receiving ivermectin. Goats chosen had egg per gram (EPG) counts surpassing 1000 before exposure to Haemonchus contortus. For 7 days within a 9-week study, AFPE from Podang mangoes was given. On the 7th day, the positive control group was administered ivermectin. AFPE dosage relied on the average abomasum fluid per kilogram of animal weight. The feeding regimen consisted of concentrate and Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott is customized for the nutritional needs of livestock. Data on feed consumption, digestibility, average daily gain, percentage reduction in fecal egg count, body condition score, and clinical parameters were collected throughout the study. Results: At higher treatment levels (AFPE), there was a greater reduction in both EPG and fecal egg counts. The expected and normal ranges were maintained for consumption and digestibility. While body weight increased, FAMACHA parameters showed a decrease. Compared to the negative control group, substantial disparities (p < 0.05) existed for hemoglobin, red blood cells, and hematocrit in both the positive control and the treatment groups. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, indicative of liver and kidney health, were within normal ranges. Conclusion: At a concentration of up to 5%, Podang mango waste extract (AFPE) can function as a substitute for traditional helminth medicines or bio-anthelmintics in goats, enhancing their production.

Influence of rosehip (Rosa canina L.) leaves as feed additive during first stage of laying hens on performances and egg quality characteristics.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rosehip leaves (RL) supplementation on the production performances and egg quality of laying hens during the first stage of laying. For that, 90 Lohmann Brown Classic hens, aged 26 wk, were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments as follows: a control diet (RL0), an experimental diet containing 0.5% rosehip leaves (RL0.5), and an experimental diet containing 1% rosehip leaves (RL1). The laying hens were accommodated in an experimental hall with identical pens (3.96 m2), and controlled microclimate conditions. The dietary treatments were administered for a 6-wk experimental period (26-32 d of age). During this time, production performance of hens was recorded. To assess the impact of RL on egg weight and its components evolution, egg yolk and albumen color, and primary chemical composition of egg constituents were determined every 2 wk. The effect on egg yolk fatty acids profile was determined only at the end of the trial. The results showed that RL0.5 and RL1 dietary treatments significantly improved laying rate, feed conversion ratio and egg mass compared with RL0 group. A significant effect on egg weight and its components was observed only over time, showing that RL has no effect on these parameters. Significant changes in egg yolk coloration were observed over time, with significant increases in L*, a* and b* chromomeric parameters in both RL0.5 and RL1 compared to RL0. Significant alterations were obtained from the sum of egg yolk fatty acids. The RL1 egg yolk presented significantly higher n-3, and significantly lower n-6 fatty acids, compared with both RL0 and RL0.5. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects of rosehip leaf supplementation on laying hens performance and egg quality.

Modulation of chicken gut microbiota for enhanced productivity and health: A review.

Microbiota in the digestive tract has become an interesting topic for researchers in recent years. The profile of chicken digestive tract microbiota and its relationship with health and production efficiency have become basic data for modulating the diversity and abundance of the digestive tract microbiota. This article reviews the techniques used to analyze the diversity, role, and function of the gastrointestinal microbiota and the mechanisms by which they are modulated. The gut microbiota plays an important role in animal production, especially during feed digestion and animal health, because it interacts with the host against pathogens. Feed modulation can be a strategy to modulate gut composition and diversity to increase production efficiency by improving growth conditions.

Evaluating increasing levels of sodium diformate in diets for nursery and finishing pigs on growth performance, fecal dry matter, and carcass characteristics.

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of sodium diformate in swine diets. For Exp. 1, 360 barrows (DNA 200 × 400; initially 5.9 ±â€…0.06 kg) were used in a 38-d study. At weaning, pigs were randomly assigned to pens with five pigs per pen. Each pen was allocated to one of six treatments with 12 pens per treatment. Treatments were formulated to provide none, 0.40%, 0.60%, 0.80%, 1.00%, or 1.20% sodium diformate added at the expense of corn. Diets were fed in three phases: phase 1 from weaning to day 9, phase 2 from days 9 to 24, and phase 3 from days 24 to 38. From days 0 to 24 (phases 1 and 2), increasing sodium diformate increased (linear, P = 0.001) gain-to-feed (G:F). However, sodium diformate did not affect average daily gain (ADG) or average daily feed intake (ADFI). From days 24 to 38 (phase 3) and overall (days 0 to 38), there was no evidence of differences due to increasing sodium diformate for any growth response criteria. There was no evidence for differences in fecal dry matter (DM) on day 9. However, fecal DM decreased (linear, P < 0.05; quadratic, P = 0.097) as sodium diformate increased on day 24. In Exp. 2, 2,200 pigs (Duroc sire [PIC 800 or DNA 600] × PIC Camborough; initially 24.2 ±â€…0.30 kg) were used in a 117-d growth trial. Pens of pigs (25 pigs per pen) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments with 22 pens per treatment. Treatments were formulated with additions of none, 0.25%, 0.50%, or 0.75% sodium diformate. Diets were fed in six phases from 24 to 141 kg. For period 1 (days 0 to 32), ADFI tended to decrease then increase (quadratic, P = 0.081) with increasing sodium diformate, whereas G:F increased then decreased (quadratic, P < 0.001) with increasing sodium diformate. For period 2 (days 32 to 60), there was no evidence for differences in ADG or ADFI; however, there was a tendency for G:F to increase then decrease (quadratic, P = 0.093) with increasing sodium diformate. From days 60 to 93, increasing sodium diformate increased (linear, P < 0.01) ADG and ADFI. From days 93 to 117, increasing sodium diformate increased (linear, P < 0.05) ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Overall (days 0 to 117), pigs fed increasing sodium diformate had increased (linear, P < 0.01) ADG and a tendency for increased (linear, P = 0.075) ADFI; however, there was no evidence for differences in G:F. There were no treatment differences for any carcass characteristic. In summary, increasing sodium diformate may increase G:F in the early nursery and improve ADG after day 60 (approximately 82 kg) in the finishing period.

Bentonite-supplemented diets improved fish performance ammonia excretion haemato-biochemical analyses immunity antioxidants and histological characteristics of European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax.

The purpose of this research was to examine the potential effects of bentonite (BN) supplemented diets on growth, feed utilization, blood biochemistry, and histomorphology of Dicentrarchus labrax. Six treatments in triplicate were tested: B0, B0.5, B1.0, B1.5, B3.0, and B4.5, which represented fish groups fed diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, and 4.5% BN, respectively. For 84 days, juveniles' seabass (initial weight = 32.73 g) were fed diets containing 46% protein, three times daily at 3% of body weight. With a 5% daily water exchange, underground seawater (32 ppt) was used. Findings revealed significant improvements in water quality (TAN and NH3), growth (FW, WG and SGR) and feed utilization (FCR, PER and PPV) in fish fed BN-supplemented diets, with the best values in favor of the B1.5 group. Additional enhancements in kidney function indicators (urea and uric acid) and liver enzymes were observed in fish of the BN-treated groups along with a decrease in cholesterol level in the B1.5 group. Further improvements in fish innate immunity (hemoglobin, red blood cells, glucose, total protein, globulin, and immunoglobulin IgM), antioxidant activity (total antioxidative capacity and catalase), and decreased cortisol levels in fish of the BN-treated groups. Histological examinations of the anterior and posterior intestines and liver in groups B1.5 and B3 revealed the healthiest organs. This study recommends BN at a concentration of 1.5% as a feed additive in the Dicentrarchus labrax diet.

Effects of dietary supplementation with benthic diatom Amphora coffeaeformis on blood biochemistry, steroid hormone levels and seed production efficiency of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus broodstock.

Aquafeed additive quality and quantity remain pivotal factors that constrain the sustainability and progress of aquaculture feed development. This study investigates the impact of incorporating the benthic diatom Amphora coffeaeformis into the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodstock, on the blood biochemistry, steroid hormone (SH) levels and seed production efficiency. Broodstock females displaying mature ovary indications were initially combined with males at a ratio of three females to one male. A total of 384 adult Nile tilapia (288 females and 96 males) were used, with 32 fish (24 females and eight males) assigned to each of 12 concrete tanks (8 m³; 2 m × 4 m × 1 m), with three replicate tanks for each dietary treatment, throughout a 14-day spawning cycle until egg harvest. Fish were fed one of four different dietary treatments: AM0% (control diet), and AM2%, AM4% and AM6% enriched with the diatom A. coffeaeformis at levels of 20, 40 and 60 g/kg of diet respectively. At the trial's conclusion, total protein, albumin, triglyceride and creatinine), SHs (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, free testosterone, total testosterone, progesterone and prolactin) and seeds production efficiency of Nile tilapia improved significantly (p < 0.05) in alignment with the increment of A. coffeaeformis supplementation. The findings propose that including A. coffeaeformis at levels ranging from 4% to 6% could be effectively employed as a feed additive during the Nile tilapia broodstock's spawning season.