Efficacy of supplementing Aspergillus awamori in enhancing growth performance, gut microbiota, digestibility, immunity, and antioxidant activity of heat-stressed broiler chickens fed diets containing olive pulp.

BACKGROUND: Gut microbes play a significant role in digestion, developing immunity, and intestinal health. Therefore, direct-fed microbials are used to modify gut microbiota, maintain a healthy digestive system, enhance immunity, and promote the broilers' performance. In addition, it has a role in improving the utilization of unconventional feed ingredients (olive pulp, OP). This study provides the potential role of Aspergillus awamori in enhancing gut microbial content, nutrient utilization, growth performance, and antioxidative status in heat-stressed broiler chickens fed diets containing olive pulp. METHODS: Three hundred chicks (Ross 308; one day old) were divided into four treatment groups (75 chick/ group) randomly, as follows; CON: chicks fed a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal, OP10: chicks fed a diet containing 10% OP, OA1: chicks fed a diet containing OP with A. awamori at 100 mg per kg, OA2: chicks fed a diet containing OP with A. awamori at 200 mg per kg. RESULTS: Adding A. awamori to the broiler diet that contains OP had a positive effect on productive performance via enhancing nutrition digestibility, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and carcass characteristics. A. awamori supplementation had a positive impact on immune responses by increasing serum immunoglobulin G and the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05) compared to the other groups. Chickens fed A. awamori showed a noticeable improvement in the oxidative status through the increase in the level of serum superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and the decrease in the level of malondialdehyde. Feeding A. awamori also modified the intestinal microbial content by increasing the population of Lactobacillus (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that adding 200 mg A. awamori reduced the negative effect of heat stress by modifying the microbial content of the intestine, immune response, and enhancing feed utilization, thus improving broiler performance, as well as, improving the nutritional value of the olive pulp. Therefore, adding A. awamori to the OP diet can be effectively used in heat-stressed broiler diets.

The impact of dietary supplementation of polysaccharide derived from Polygonatum sibiricum on growth, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, digestive physiology, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens.

Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PSP) has demonstrated diverse medicinal properties, extensively researched for human applications. Nonetheless, there is a lack of studies investigating the potential advantages of PSP in poultry farming. The present study investigated the impact of incorporating PSP into broiler diets on their growth performance, meat quality, blood metabolites, antioxidative status, and ileal histomorphology. Two hundred and forty-one-day-old male Ross-308 broiler chicks (44.98 ± 0.79 g) were randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups, with 8 replicates of 10 birds each. The birds were fed diets supplemented with PSP at 0, 400, and 800 mg/kg (control, PSP400, and PSP800, respectively). The results revealed a linear (P > 0.05) improvement in body weight gain, European production efficiency index, and feed conversion ratio during the grower (22-35 d) and overall periods (1-35 d). The pH levels in the ingluvies, ileum, and cecum exhibited a linear reduction (P > 0.05) in the PSP800 group at d 21 and d 35, respectively. Villus height and crypt depth were increased in the PSP400 and PSP800 groups compared to the control group. PSP400 and PSP800 groups exhibited decreased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels and increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) at 21 d, while at 35 d, TAC and sulfhydryl concentrations were elevated, and H2O2 was reduced only in the PSP800 group compared to the untreated one. No significant variations between the groups at the phylum and genus levels were observed, with Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes being the dominant phyla. However, PSP supplementation notably augmented Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobiota while reducing Euryarchaeota and Proteobacteria. At the genus level, there was an increase in Akkermansia, Alistipes, CHKCI001, Erysipelatoclostridium, and a decrease in Methanobrevibacter. Conclusively, incorporating PSP into broiler diets, particularly at a dosage of 800 mg/kg, improved growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal architecture and resulted in alterations in cecal microbiota without discernible impacts on digestive function and meat quality criteria.

Growth performance, digestive function, thyroid activity, and immunity of growing rabbits fed olive cake with or without Saccharomyces cerevisiae or citric acid.

The present study investigated the impact of dietary inclusion of olive cakes (OC) with or without Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) and citric acid (CA) on growth, digestive function, thyroid activity, antioxidant status, immunity, and intestinal architecture of growing rabbits. One hundred forty 35-day-old male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned into seven experimental groups with five replicates each, as follows: control (CN), fed the basal diet; OC20 and OC25, fed diets with 20 and 25% OC; OS20 and OS25, fed diets containing 20 and 25% OC with S. cerevisiae at 5 g/kg diet; OA20 and OA25, fed diets supplemented with 20 and 25% OC with 1.0% citric acid. No differences in live body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and carcass traits were noticed among experimental groups, while body weight gain and carcass (%) were increased (P < 0.05) in OS20 compared to the control. Digestibility coefficients of all nutrients and activities of amylase, cellulose, and trypsin did not differ in treated groups compared to the control except for OS20, which recorded enhancement in nutrient digestibility. Plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine were elevated (P < 0.05), while triglycerides and cholesterol were reduced (P < 0.05) in OS20 compared to CN. Plasma concentrations of immunoglobulin M and G and superoxide dismutase were increased in treated groups compared to the control. Dietary inclusion of SC and CA improved rabbits' intestinal health, as the cecal Lactobacillus count was increased, E. coli count was decreased, and villus height was elevated in SC- and CA-treated groups. In conclusion, dietary incorporation of SC or CA enhanced the nutritional value of OC and improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, thyroid activity, antioxidative status, and gut health of growing rabbits.

Effects of dietary incorporation of Radix rehmanniae praeparata polysaccharide on growth performance, digestive physiology, blood metabolites, meat quality, and tibia characteristics in broiler chickens.

Radix rehmanniae preparata polysaccharide (RRPP) is recognized as the primary bioactive compound in Radix rehmanniae preparata and has been extensively utilized in traditional Chinese medicine and functional food due to its diverse biological activities. However, this study has yet to explore the application of RRPP as a feed additive in broilers. This study investigated the effects of dietary RRPP on growth performance, meat quality, and physiological responses of broiler chickens. Two hundred eighty-eight 1-day-old Cobb 500 male broilers were randomly assigned to the 4 experimental groups with 6 replications and 12 birds/replicate. The 4 groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 4 concentrations of RRPP (0, 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg, respectively). All RRPP levels did not affect the growth performance of broilers during the starter period (1-21 d), while during the grower (22-35 d) and overall (1-35 d) periods, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and European production efficiency index were linearly improved (P < 0.05) by incorporating RRPP at 600 and 900 mg/kg. Carcass characteristics, relative weight and length of intestinal segments, and meat quality and tibia criteria were not affected by dietary incorporation of RRPP. Dietary RRPP led to a linear increase (P < 0.05) in serum alkaline phosphatase, potassium, calcium and sulfhydryl levels, while reducing concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, LDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol. The addition of RRPP decreased (P < 0.05) the pH of the ileum and cecum at 21 and 35 d of age while not changing in the remaining intestinal segments. Dietary RRPP at 600 and 900 mg/kg linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05) increased the tibia ash content in chicken at 21 and 35 d of age. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of RRPP improved broiler chicken's growth, gut physiology, and tibia ash content, particularly at 600 and 900 mg/kg.

Gene Expression in Bronchial Epithelial Cell Responses to Vanadium Exposure.

Vanadium exposure has the adverse effect on lung function in human, whereas the detailed mechanisms of vanadium exposure-induced pulmonary toxicity are limited. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the hub genes and signaling pathways related to sodium metavanadate (SMV)-induced pulmonary toxicity. The transcript expression profile GSE36684 downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus contained eight human bronchial epithelial cell (HBEC) samples including five SMV-treated and three control HBEC samples. Totally 455 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened, especially 201 and 254 genes were up- and down-regulated in the HBECs treated with SMV. Gene ontology analysis suggested that the DEGs were mainly involved in signal transduction, the response to drug, cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration. Pathway analysis demonstrated that the DEGs were primarily participated in NF-κB, Wnt, MAPK, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Moreover, the hub genes, including ITGA5, ITGB3, ITGA2, LAMC2, MMP2, and ITGA4, might contribute to SMV-induced pulmonary toxicity. Our study improves the understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which SMV induced the pulmonary toxicity.

Signaling Pathways and Genes Associated with Hexavalent Chromium-Induced Hepatotoxicity.

Exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] causes human and animal hepatotoxicity. However, it is unclear how Cr(VI) induces hepatotoxicity, nor is it clear which pathways and genes may be involved. This study aimed to identify the key molecular pathways and genes engaged in Cr(VI)-induced hepatotoxicity. Publicly available microarray GSE19662 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. GSE19662 consists of primary rat hepatocyte (PRH) groups treated with or without 0.10 ppm potassium dichromate (PD), with three samples per group. Compared to the control group, a total of 400 differentially expressed genes were obtained. Specially 262 and 138 genes were up- and downregulated in PD-treated PRHs, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment indicated that those DEGs were primarily engaged in many biological processes, including androgen biosynthetic process, the positive regulation of cell death, the response to activity, the toxic substance and hepatocyte growth factor stimulus, and others. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) suggested that the DEGs are fundamentally enriched in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatitis B, p53, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, AMPK, metabolic pathways, estrogen, cGMP-PKG, metabolic pathways, etc. Moreover, many genes, including UBE2C, TOP2A, PRC1, CENPF, and MKI67, might contribute to Cr(VI)-induced hepatotoxicity. Taken together, this study enhances our understanding of the regulation, prevention, and treatment strategies of Cr(VI)-induced hepatotoxicity.

Effects of Sodium Chromate Exposure on Gene Expression Profiles of Primary Rat Hepatocytes (In Vitro).

Chromium exposure has adverse impacts on human health and the environment, whereas chromate-induced hepatotoxicity's detailed mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to reveal the crucial signaling pathways and genes linked to sodium chromate-induced hepatotoxicity. GSE19662, a gene expression microarray, was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Six primary rat hepatocyte (PRH) samples from GSE19662 include sodium chromate-treated (n = 3) and the control PRH samples (n = 3). A total of 2,525 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained, especially 962, and 1,563 genes were up- and downregulated in sodium chromate-treated PRHs compared to the control. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested that those DEGs were involved in multiple biological processes, including the response to toxic substances, the positive regulation of apoptotic process, lipid and cholesterol metabolic process, and others. Signaling pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs were mainly enriched in MAPK, PI3K-Akt, PPAR, AMPK, cellular senescence, hepatitis B, fatty acid biosynthesis, etc. Moreover, many genes, including CYP2E1, CYP1A2, CYP2C13, CDK1, NDC80, and CCNB1, might contribute to sodium chromate-induced hepatotoxicity. Taken together, this study enhances our knowledge of the potential molecular mechanisms of sodium chromate-induced hepatotoxicity.

Effects of garlic and lemon essential oils on performance, digestibility, plasma metabolite, and intestinal health in broilers under environmental heat stress.

BACKGROUND: Natural feed additives play an important role in poultry production due to their safety and potential properties as an antioxidant and antimicrobial, as well as a growth stimulant. The present research was designed to assess the influence of dietary supplementation of either garlic, lemon essential oil, or their mixture on performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma constituents, immunity, and oxidative status, as well as intestinal development assessed by microbiota-histomorphology development in broilers under environmental heat stress. METHODS: A total of 480 broiler chicks (Ross 308) at one-day-old were randomly divided into four groups (120 chicks/ group). The control group received the basal diet (CON), while the other three groups received the basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg garlic essential oil (GEO), 200 mg/kg lemon essential oil (LEO), and their mixture (GLO) 200 mg/kg diet, respectively for 35 days. RESULTS: The obtained results revealed that broilers fed essential oils as a mixture or individually had an improvement in average body weight, feed conversion ratio, carcass dressing, and an increase in digestive enzymes activities compared to the control group, furthermore, there was a reduction in the mortality rate and abdominal fat content. Adding essential oils as a mixture or individually led to a decrease in (P < 0.05) blood plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein. Broilers fed diets supplemented with essential oils as a mixture or individually had higher values of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase; while plasma malondialdehyde was lower (P < 0.05) compared to the control diet. Moreover, there was a significant enhancement in intestinal microbial content, and intestinal histological status of chickens fed with essential oils. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusively, including the mixture of essential oils improved performance, nutrient digestibility, and digestive enzymes activities. It also enhanced immunity, antioxidant state, and lipid profile, and gut microbiota- histomorphology in broilers. It was proposed that the broilers diet be supplemented with a mixture of essential oils to a mitigation of the effects of heat stress.

Bioactive-loaded nanodelivery systems for the feed and drugs of livestock; purposes, techniques and applications.

Advances in animal husbandry and better performance of livestock results in growing demands for feed and its nutrients, bioactive compounds (bioactives), such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and phenolics, along with drugs/vaccines. To protect the feed bioactives in unintended circumstances, they can be encapsulated to achieve desired efficacy in animal feeding and nanoencapsulation gives more potential for better protection, absorption and targeted delivery of bioactives. This study reviews structures, properties, and methods of nanoencapsulation for animal feedings and relevant drugs. Essential oil (EOs) and plant extracts are mostly encapsulated bioactives and phytochemicals for poultry diets and chitosan is found as most effective nanocarrier to load EOs and plant extracts. Nanoparticles (NPs) and nanocapsules are frequently studied nanocarriers, which are mostly processed by using the ionotropic/ionic gelation. Nanofibers, nanohydrogels and nanoemulsions are not found yet for their application in feed bioactives. These nanocarriers can have an improved protection, stability, and controlled release of feed bioactives which benefits to additional nutrition for the growth of livestock regardless of the low stability and water solubility of bioactives. For ruminants' feeds, nano-minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, essential fatty acids, and drugs are encapsulated by NPs to facilitate the delivery to target organs through direct penetration, to improve their bioavailability, to generate more efficient absorption in cells and tissues, and protect them from rapid degradation. Furthermore, safety and regulatory issues, as well as advantages and disadvantages of nanoencapsulation application in animal feeds are also discussed. The review shows an accurate design of NPs can largely mask safety issues with straightforward approaches and awareness of safety concerns is fundamental for better designing of nanoencapsulation systems and commercialization. This review gives an insight of understanding and potential of nanoencapsulation in ruminants and poultry feedings to obtain a better bioavailability of the nutrients and bioactives with improved safety and awareness for better designing of nanoencapsulating systems.

Effects of chronic hypoxia on the gene expression profile in the embryonic heart in three Chinese indigenous chicken breeds (Gallus gallus).

Hypoxia exposure (HE) has adverse impacts on the embryonic development of chicken, whereas the mechanism underlying the response of the heart to HE during embryo development in birds is still unclear. Therefore, our study was designed to reveal the hub genes and the signaling pathways linked to chronic hypoxia stress. Thus, the gene expression microarray GSE12675, downloaded from the GEO database, included 12 embryonic heart samples in hypoxia and normoxia of three Chinese indigenous chicken breeds [Shouguang (SG), Tibetan (TB), and Dwarf Recessive White (DRW) chickens]. A total of 653 to 714 breed-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in each pairwise comparison. Gene ontology (GO) showed that the DEGs were mainly involved in biological processes, including vasoconstriction, cell differentiation, and the positive regulation of vasoconstriction. KEGG enrichment revealed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in MAPK, PPAR, insulin, adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, etc. Moreover, 48 genes (e.g., SGCD, DHRS9, HELQ, MCMDC2, and ESCO2) might contribute to the response of the heart to HE. Taken together, the current study provides important clues for understanding the molecular mechanism of the heart's response to HE during the embryonic period of chicken.

Effects of Lysophosphatidylcholine on Jejuna Morphology and Its Potential Mechanism.

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) plays a vital role in promoting jejuna morphology in broilers. However, the potential mechanism behind LPC improving the chicken jejuna morphology is unclear. Therefore, the present study was designed to reveal the important genes associated with LPC regulation in birds' jejuna. Thus, GSE94622, the gene expression microarray, was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). GSE94622 consists of 15 broiler jejuna samples from two LPC-treated (LPC500 and LPC1000) and the control groups. Totally 98 to 217 DEGs were identified by comparing LPC500 vs. control, LPC1000 vs. control, and LPC1000 vs. LPC500. Gene ontology (GO) analysis suggested that those DEGs were mainly involved in the one-carbon metabolic process, carbon dioxide transport, endodermal cell differentiation, the positive regulation of dipeptide transmembrane transport, cellular pH reduction, and synaptic transmission. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated the DEGs were enriched in NOD-like receptor (NLR), RIG-I-like receptor (RILR), Toll-like receptor (TLR), and necroptosis signaling pathway. Moreover, many genes, such as RSAD2, OASL, EPSTI1, CMPK2, IFIH1, IFIT5, USP18, MX1, and STAT1 might be involved in promoting the jejuna morphology of broilers. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of LPC regulation in jejuna morphology.

In ovo Inoculation of Bacillus subtilis and Raffinose Affects Growth Performance, Cecal Microbiota, Volatile Fatty Acid, Ileal Morphology and Gene Expression, and Sustainability of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus).

Banning antibiotic growth promoters has negatively impacted poultry production and sustainability, which led to exploring efficient alternatives such as probiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics. Effect of in ovo injection of Bacillus subtilis, raffinose, and their synbiotics on growth performance, cecal microbial population and volatile fatty acid concentration, ileal histomorphology, and ileal gene expression was investigated in broilers (Gallus gallus) raised for 21 days. On 300 h of incubation, a total of 1,500 embryonated eggs were equally allotted into 10 groups. The first was non-injected (NC) and the remaining in ovo injected with sterile distilled water (PC), B. subtilis 4 × 105 and 4 × 106 CFU (BS1 and BS2), Raffinose 2 and 3 mg (R1 and R2), B. subtilis 4 × 105 CFU + raffinose 2 mg (BS1R1), B. subtilis 4 × 105 CFU + raffinose 3 mg (BS1R2), B. subtilis 4 × 106 CFU + raffinose 2 mg (BS2R1), and B. subtilis 4 × 106 CFU + raffinose 3 mg (BS2R2). At hatch, 60 chicks from each group were randomly chosen, divided into groups of 6 replicates (10 birds/replicate), and fed with a corn-soybean-based diet. In ovo inoculation of B. subtilis and raffinose alone or combinations significantly improved body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of 21-day-old broilers compared to NC. Cecal concentrations of butyric, pentanoic, propionic, and isobutyric acids were significantly elevated in R1, R2, BS2R1, and BS2R2, whereas isovaleric and acetic acids were significantly increased in R1 and BS2R1 compared to NC. Cecal microbial population was significantly altered in treated groups. Ileal villus height was increased (p < 0.001) in BS1, R2, and BS2R2 compared to NC. The mRNA expression of mucin-2 was upregulated (p < 0.05) in synbiotic groups except for BS1R1. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was increased (p < 0.05) in BS2, R1, BS1R1, and BS1R2 compared to NC. SGLT-1 expression was upregulated (p < 0.05) in all treated birds except those of R1 group compared to NC. The mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)-2 and toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 were downregulated (p < 0.05) in BS2 and R1 for IL-2 and BS1R1 and BS2R2 for TLR-4. It was concluded that in ovo B. subtilis, raffinose, and synbiotics positively affected growth performance, cecal microbiota, gut health, immune responses, and thus the sustainability of production in 21-day-old broilers.

Effect of dietary incorporation of peanut and linseed meals with or without enzyme mixture on physiological performance of broilers.

The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of feeding peanut meal and linseed meal (LSM) with or without enzyme mixture on growth, plasma metabolites, muscle amino acid (AA) profile, nutrient digestibility, and expression of nutrient absorption-related genes in broilers. A total of 560 one-day-old Cobb-500 male broiler chicks were distributed into eight experimental treatments (7 replications of 10 chicks each) as follows: This study was designed by using 560 one-day-old Cobb-500 male broiler chicks were distributed into eight experimental groups (7 replications of 10 chicks each) to evaluate the differences in body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion rate, carcass parts, blood biochemical and mRNA expression genes. Group 1 (C) control fed the basal diet without supplements, Group 2 (C + E) is control group fed on 350 g/ton enzyme mixture, Group 3 (C + PNM100) is control group fed 100 kg/ton peanut meal, Group 4 (C + E + PNM100) is a control group fed on 350 g/ton enzyme mixture and 100 kg/ton peanut meal, Group 5 (C + LSM100) is a control group fed on 100 kg/ton linseed meal, Group 6 (C + E + LSM100) is a control group fed on 350 g/ton enzyme mixture and 100 kg/ton linseed meal, Group 7 (C + PNM50 + LSM50) is control group fed on 50 kg/ton peanut meal and 50 kg/ton linseed meal. Group 8 (C + E + PNM50 + LSM50) is the control group fed on 50 kg/ton peanut meal and 50 kg/ton linseed meal. Each gram of the enzyme mixture contains 11,000 U Xylanase, 6000 U Cellulase, 700 U ß-Mannanase, 1500 U Phytase, 5 mg α-Amylase, and 2 mg Protease. No differences in Bodyweight, Bodyweight gain, Feed intake, and carcass parts were noticed among experimental groups, while abdominal fat (%) and FCR were reduced (P < 0.05) in PNM50 + LSM50 + E and LSM100 groups. Plasma metabolites were not altered except total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL, reduced (P < 0.01) in treated birds. Dietary inclusion of 100 kg PNM or LSM reduced (P < 0.05) methionine concentration in muscle, while all remaining AA and ammonia concentrations were unaffected. Hepatic MDA contents were reduced (P < 0.001) in treated groups. Nutrient digestibility was not altered among groups except for protein digestibility, which was elevated (P < 0.05) in PNM50 + LSM50 + E, E, and PNM100 + E groups. The highest mRNA expressions of PepT1, APN, SGLT1, HMGCR, GHr, and IGF-1 genes were noticed in PNM50 + LSM50 + E. Conclusively, PNM and LSM can efficiently substitute corn and soybean meal in broiler diets, particularly when fortified with exogenous enzymes, without negative impacts on broiler performance.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Spirulina platensis extracts and biogenic selenium nanoparticles against selected pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

This study investigated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of three Spirulina extracts (methanol, acetone, and hexane) and the biological selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) fabricated by Bacillus subtilis AL43. The results showed that Spirulina extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against tested pathogens. Besides, Spirulina extracts significantly scavenged ABTS and DPPH radicals in a dose-dependent manner. The methanolic extract had higher total phenolic content, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant activity than other extracts. The selenium nanoparticles were synthesized by Bacillus subtilis AL43 under aerobic conditions and were characterized as spherical, crystalline with a size of 65.23 nm and a net negative charge of -22.7. We evidenced that SeNPs possess considerable antimicrobial activity against three gram-positive, three gram-negative bacteria, and three strains from both Candida sp. and Aspergillus sp. Moreover, SeNPs were able to scavenge ABTS and DPPH radicals in a dose-dependent manner. An association was found between the total phenolic content of Spirulina and SeNPs and their biological activities. Our results indicate that Spirulina and SeNPs with significant antimicrobial and antioxidant activities seem to be successful candidates for safe and reliable medical applications.

Spirulina platensis and biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles improve performance, antioxidant status, humoral immunity and dietary and ileal microbial populations of heat-stressed broilers.

This study was conducted to assess the impact of dietary incorporation of Spirulina platensis and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) individually or in combinations on growth performance, antioxidant status, humoral immune response, and microbial populations in diet and ileum of heat-stressed broilers. Ross-308 one-day chicks (n = 450) were fed one of 9 experimental diets with five replicate cages in 2 phases for 35 d. The experimental diets were a control basal diet without supplementation or with 0.1 mg SeNPs, 0.2 mg SeNPs, 5 g Spirulina, 10 g Spirulina, 0.1 mg SeNPs + 5 g Spirulina, 0.1 mg SeNPs + 10 g Spirulina, 0.2 mg SeNPs + 5 g Spirulina and 0.2 mg SeNPs + 10 g Spirulina per kg diet. Dietary supplementation with Spirulina and SeNPs significantly (P < 0.05) increased body weight gain and European production efficiency factor. Serum GPx and SOD were significantly (P < 0.05) increased with dietary Spirulina and SeNPs supplementation, while, TBARS was decreased (P < 0.05). Circulating immunoglobulin IgM, IgA and IgG were increased in treated birds compared to the control ones, while the antibody titers to IBD, AIV, and NDV were not significantly altered. The results showed that SeNPs and Spirulina exhibited dose-dependent antimicrobial activities against ileal counts of total bacterial, total molds and yeast, coliform, E. coli, Salmonella spp. and Enterococcus spp. However, ileal populations of Lactic acid bacteria were increased with dietary Spirulina and SeNPs in a dose-dependent manner. The microbial load in broilers' diets was reduced by dietary incorporation of S. platensis and SeNPs. These results indicate that Spirulina and SeNPs can be potentially used as growth promoters and antioxidant, immunostimulant, and antimicrobial agents in heat-stressed broilers.

Potential ameliorative role of Spirulina platensis in powdered or extract forms against cyclic heat stress in broiler chickens.

Global warming has become intensified and widespread, threatening the world with causing acute heatwaves that adversely affect poultry production and producers' profitability. Spirulina platensis is a precious and promising mitigating strategy to combat the detrimental impacts of heat stress due to its high contents of nutrients and bioactive components. The current study was designed to compare the incorporation impact of S. platensis powder or aqueous extract on the growth and physiological responses of heat-stressed broiler chicks. Six hundred 1-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were allocated into five experimental groups with six replicates of 20 chicks each. The control group fed the basal diet without additives, SPP1 and SPP2 groups fed the basal diet with 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg S. platensis powder, respectively, while SPE1 and SPE2 groups received 1 ml/L and 2 ml/L S. platensis aqueous extract in the drinking water, respectively. All birds were exposed to cyclic heat stress (34 ± 2 °C for 12 h) for three successive days a week from day 10 to day 35. In vitro analysis showed that total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of S. platensis were remarkably decreased (P < 0.001) in the aqueous extract compared to the powder form. Body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were improved (P < 0.001) in all treated groups, while carcass yield and dressing percentage were increased only in SPP1 and SPP2. Feed and water intake and blood biochemical parameters were not affected. Both forms of S. platensis enhanced the lipid profile, redox status, and humoral immune response of heat-stressed chicks superior to the powder form. Conclusively, the powder form of S. platensis was more effective in enhancing the productivity of broilers and alleviating the negative impacts of heat stress than the aqueous extract form.

Synergistic effect of Spirulina platensis and selenium nanoparticles on growth performance, serum metabolites, immune responses, and antioxidant capacity of heat-stressed broiler chickens.

This study examined the effects of dietary Spirulina platensis (SP) at levels of 0, 5, and 10 g.kg-1 and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) at 0, 0.1, and 0.2 mg.kg-1, individually and in combination, on heat-stressed broiler chickens for 5 weeks. Four hundred fifty one-day-old Ross-308 chicks were allocated to 9 dietary groups with 5 replicates (10 chicks each). The control diet was consisted of corn-soybean-based basal diet. The obtained results displayed a significant increase in final body weight (p = 0.005) and weight gain during the periods from 22 to 35 days (p = 0.002) and 1 to 35 days (p = 0.005) in birds fed supplemented diets compared to those fed control diet, with the highest being in birds fed with both 10 g SP and 0.1 mg SeNPs. Feed conversion ratio was also improved in birds fed supplemented compared to control group. Dietary supplements significantly improved carcass dressing (p < 0.001), carcass yield (p = 0.001) percentages, and blood lipid profile. Blood triiodothyronine was higher (p = 0.005) with all treated diets except that contain 5 g SP compared to the control, with the highest being in birds fed diet contains 5 g SP + 0.2 mg SeNPs. Immunoglobulin subclasses IgG, IgM, and IgA were higher in birds fed supplemented diets compared to the control group. Antibody titers to Newcastle disease, avian influenza, and infectious bursal disease were numerically increased with dietary supplementation compared to the control group. Dietary treatments increased (p < 0.001) glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, except diet contains 5 g SP for SOD level and decreased (p < 0.001) malondialdehyde level. It is concluded that dietary inclusion of SP and SeNPs, particularly their combination at levels 5 g SP plus 0.2 mg SeNPs kg-1 and 10 g SP plus 0.1 mg SeNPs kg-1, improved growth performance, carcass yield, immunity, and antioxidant capacity of heat-stressed broilers.

Managing Gut Microbiota through In Ovo Nutrition Influences Early-Life Programming in Broiler Chickens.

The chicken gut is the habitat to trillions of microorganisms that affect physiological functions and immune status through metabolic activities and host interaction. Gut microbiota research previously focused on inflammation; however, it is now clear that these microbial communities play an essential role in maintaining normal homeostatic conditions by regulating the immune system. In addition, the microbiota helps reduce and prevent pathogen colonization of the gut via the mechanism of competitive exclusion and the synthesis of bactericidal molecules. Under commercial conditions, newly hatched chicks have access to feed after 36-72 h of hatching due to the hatch window and routine hatchery practices. This delay adversely affects the potential inoculation of the healthy microbiota and impairs the development and maturation of muscle, the immune system, and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Modulating the gut microbiota has been proposed as a potential strategy for improving host health and productivity and avoiding undesirable effects on gut health and the immune system. Using early-life programming via in ovo stimulation with probiotics and prebiotics, it may be possible to avoid selected metabolic disorders, poor immunity, and pathogen resistance, which the broiler industry now faces due to commercial hatching and selection pressures imposed by an increasingly demanding market.