Microbe-mediated intestinal NOD2 stimulation improves linear growth of undernourished infant mice.

The intestinal microbiota is known to influence postnatal growth. We previously found that a strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (strain LpWJL) buffers the adverse effects of chronic undernutrition on the growth of juvenile germ-free mice. Here, we report that LpWJL sustains the postnatal growth of malnourished conventional animals and supports both insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin production and activity. We have identified cell walls isolated from LpWJL, as well as muramyl dipeptide and mifamurtide, as sufficient cues to stimulate animal growth despite undernutrition. Further, we found that NOD2 is necessary in intestinal epithelial cells for LpWJL-mediated IGF-1 production and for postnatal growth promotion in malnourished conventional animals. These findings indicate that, coupled with renutrition, bacteria cell walls or purified NOD2 ligands have the potential to alleviate stunting.

Maternal exposure to airborne polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and risk of adverse birth outcomes.

Human health effects of airborne lower-chlorinated polychlorinated biphenyls (LC-PCBs) are largely unexplored. Since PCBs may cross the placenta, maternal exposure could potentially have negative consequences for fetal development. We aimed to determine if exposure to airborne PCB during pregnancy was associated with adverse birth outcomes. In this cohort study, exposed women had lived in PCB contaminated apartments at least one year during the 3.6 years before conception or the entire first trimester of pregnancy. The women and their children were followed for birth outcomes in Danish health registers. Logistic regression was performed to estimate odds ratios (OR) for changes in secondary sex ratio, preterm birth, major congenital malformations, cryptorchidism, and being born small for gestational age. We performed linear regression to estimate difference in birth weight among children of exposed and unexposed mothers. All models were adjusted for maternal age, educational level, ethnicity, and calendar time. We identified 885 exposed pregnancies and 3327 unexposed pregnancies. Relative to unexposed women, exposed women had OR 0.97 (95% CI 0.82, 1.15) for secondary sex ratio, OR 1.13 (95% CI 0.76, 1.67) for preterm birth, OR 1.28 (95% CI 0.81, 2.01) for having a child with major malformations, OR 1.73 (95% CI 1.01, 2.95) for cryptorchidism and OR 1.23 (95% CI 0.88, 1.72) for giving birth to a child born small for gestational age. The difference in birth weight for children of exposed compared to unexposed women was - 32 g (95% CI-79, 14). We observed an increased risk of cryptorchidism among boys after maternal airborne LC-PCB exposure, but due to the proxy measure of exposure, inability to perform dose-response analyses, and the lack of comparable literature, larger cohort studies with direct measures of exposure are needed to investigate the safety of airborne LC-PCB exposure during pregnancy.

Effects of inorganic copper injection in beef cows at late gestation on fetal and postnatal growth, hematology and immune function of their progeny.

To determine if Cu injection during late gestation can affect fetal and postnatal growth, hematology and immune function of progeny, 70 multiparous pregnant Angus cows, at 219 ± 15 d of gestation, were ranked by BW and BCS and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: Cu + (n = 35) in total 160 mg of Cu were administered subcutaneously in two moments (80 mg per moment) at 64 ± 15 d and 54 ± 15 d prepartum; and Cu- (n = 35), in total of 16 ml of sterile NaCl solution (9 g / l) were administered subcutaneously in two moments (8 ml per moment) at 64 ± 15 d and 54 ± 15 d prepartum. Calves from both treatments were weaned at 260 ± 15 d of age, male calves were separated from female calves and stockered on natural pastures until 690 ± 15 d of age, then placed into a feedlot for 104 d before slaughter. At the beginning of the experiment, cows Cu serum concentration was similar (P = 0.34) between treatments and these reflected a severe Cu deficiency (Cu + = 24.2 ± 1.5 µg/dl; Cu- = 22.2 ± 1.4 µg/dl). At calving, Cu serum concentration was greater (P < 0.01) in Cu + cows than Cu- cows. Copper serum concentration in calves from Cu + cows was greater at birth (P = 0.02) and 75 ± 15 d of age (P < 0.01) and tended (P = 0.07) to be greater at 160 ± 15 d of age compared to calves from Cu- cows. Calf BW at birth did not differ (P > 0.10) between treatments, however, calf BW adjusted at 75 d of age tended to be greater (P = 0.10) in calves from Cu + cows compared to calves from Cu- cows. Calf ADG from birth to 75 d of age was greater (P = 0.04) in calves from Cu + cows compared to calves from Cu- cows. Calf hematological parameters and titers of neutralizing antibodies against BHV-1 after primary and secondary vaccination against respiratory diseases did not differ (P > 0.10) between treatments. During finishing period, steers BW, 12th rib fat thickness and LM area were not affected (P > 0.10) by treatments. In summary, inorganic Cu injection during late gestation in Cu deficient beef cows allows to increase Cu serum concentration in calves from birth to 160 d of age. This event was associated with an increase in ADG and a tendency to increase BW during the first 75 days of life. After 75 days of age, any effect on the offspring performance was not observed.

Hokkaido birth cohort study on environment and children's health: cohort profile 2021.

BACKGROUND: The Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children's Health is an ongoing study consisting of two birth cohorts of different population sizes: the Sapporo cohort and the Hokkaido cohort. Our primary objectives are to (1) examine the effects that low-level environmental chemical exposures have on birth outcomes, including birth defects and growth retardation; (2) follow the development of allergies, infectious diseases, and neurobehavioral developmental disorders, as well as perform a longitudinal observation of child development; (3) identify high-risk groups based on genetic susceptibility to environmental chemicals; and (4) identify the additive effects of various chemicals, including tobacco. METHODS: The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the progress of the Hokkaido Study, summarize recent results, and suggest future directions. In particular, this report provides the latest details from questionnaire surveys, face-to-face examinations, and a collection of biological specimens from children and measurements of their chemical exposures. RESULTS: The latest findings indicate different risk factors of parental characteristics on birth outcomes and the mediating effect between socioeconomic status and children that are small for the gestational age. Maternal serum folate was not associated with birth defects. Prenatal chemical exposure and smoking were associated with birth size and growth, as well as cord blood biomarkers, such as adiponectin, leptin, thyroid, and reproductive hormones. We also found significant associations between the chemical levels and neuro development, asthma, and allergies. CONCLUSIONS: Chemical exposure to children can occur both before and after birth. Longer follow-up for children is crucial in birth cohort studies to reinforce the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis. In contrast, considering shifts in the exposure levels due to regulation is also essential, which may also change the association to health outcomes. This study found that individual susceptibility to adverse health effects depends on the genotype. Epigenome modification of DNA methylation was also discovered, indicating the necessity of examining molecular biology perspectives. International collaborations can add a new dimension to the current knowledge and provide novel discoveries in the future.

Growth and Body Composition in PKU Children-A Three-Year Prospective Study Comparing the Effects of L-Amino Acid to Glycomacropeptide Protein Substitutes.

Protein quality and quantity are important factors in determining lean body (muscle) mass (LBM). In phenylketonuria (PKU), protein substitutes provide most of the nitrogen, either as amino acids (AA) or glycomacropeptide with supplementary amino acids (CGMP-AA). Body composition and growth are important indicators of long-term health. In a 3-year prospective study comparing the impact of AA and CGMP-AA on body composition and growth in PKU, 48 children were recruited. N = 19 (median age 11.1 years, range 5-15 years) took AA only, n = 16 (median age 7.3 years, range 5-15 years) took a combination of CGMP-AA and AA, (CGMP50) and 13 children (median age 9.2 years, range 5-16 years) took CGMP-AA only (CGMP100). A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan at enrolment and 36 months measured LBM, % body fat (%BF) and fat mass (FM). Height was measured at enrolment, 12, 24 and 36 months. No correlation or statistically significant differences (after adjusting for age, gender, puberty and phenylalanine blood concentrations) were found between the three groups for LBM, %BF, FM and height. The change in height z scores, (AA 0, CGMP50 +0.4 and CGMP100 +0.7) showed a trend that children in the CGMP100 group were taller, had improved LBM with decreased FM and % BF but this was not statistically significant. There appeared to be no advantage of CGMP-AA compared to AA on body composition after 3-years of follow-up. Although statistically significant differences were not reached, a trend towards improved body composition was observed with CGMP-AA when it provided the entire protein substitute requirement.

A novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant completely replaced inorganic phosphate in broiler diets, maintaining growth performance and bone quality: data from two independent trials.

Total replacement of dietary inorganic phosphate (Pi) by a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) in phytate-rich diets (>0.3% phytate-P) was investigated in 2 trials using growth performance and bone quality as outcome measures. Both trials utilized a completely randomized design with 5 dietary treatments across 4 phases: starter (0-10 d), grower (10-21 d), finisher 1 (21-35 d), and finisher 2 (35-42 d). Treatments comprised a nutritionally adequate positive control (PC) diet containing monocalcium phosphate and 4 experimental diets (IPF1, IPF2, IPF3, and IPF4), all containing no added Pi and reduced in Ca by 0.2 to 0.3% units vs. PC. IPF1contained PhyG at 1,000 FTU/kg (all phases); IPF2 contained PhyG at 1,000 FTU/kg (all phases) and was additionally reduced in digestible AA, ME, and sodium (-0.2 to -0.4% points, -74 kcal/kg, -0.04% points, respectively, vs. PC); IPF3 contained PhyG at 3,000 FTU/kg in starter, 2,000 FTU/kg in grower, and 1,000 FTU/kg in finisher phases; and IPF4 contained xylanase (2,000 U/kg) and PhyG (2,000 FTU/kg in starter, 1,500 FTU/kg in grower, and 1,000 FTU/kg in finisher phases) and was additionally reduced in ME (-71 kcal/kg vs. PC). Ross 308 broilers were used (trial 1: n = 1,200 mixed sex; 24 birds per pen × 10 replicates; trial 2: n = 1,300 males; 26 birds × 10 replicates). During all phases in both trials, all IPF treatments maintained or improved BW, ADG, ADFI, FCR and BW-corrected FCRc and bone quality parameters vs. PC. vs. PC, treatment IPF3 increased ADG during starter phase (+10.8%) and reduced overall FCRc (-12 points, P < 0.05) in Trial 1, and increased overall ADG (+4.4%), day 35 and day 42 BW (+3.5%, +4.9%), and reduced overall FCRc (-11 points) in Trial 2 (P < 0.05). IPF4 produced equivalent performance to IPF3 (both trials). These are the first data to demonstrate total replacement of Pi by microbial phytase during an entire growth cycle in broiler diets.

Impact of preweaning stress on long-term neurobehavioral outcomes in Sprague-Dawley rats: Differential effects of barren cage rearing, pup isolation, and the combination.

Two developmental stressors were compared in preweaning rats exposed to either one stressor or both. Stressors were barren cage rearing or maternal separation (pup isolation). 40 gravid Sprague-Dawley CD/IGS rats were randomly assigned to two cage conditions: standard (Std) cage or barren cage (Bar), 20 litters/condition throughout gestation and lactation. After delivery, litters were randomly culled to 4 males and 4 females. The second stressor was maternal separation: Two male/female pairs per litter were isolated from their dam 4 h/day (Iso) and two pairs were not (Norm). Hence, there were 4 conditions: Std-Norm, Std-Iso, Bar-Norm, and Bar-Iso. One pair/litter/stress condition received the following: elevated zero-maze (EZM), open-field, swim channel, Cincinnati water maze, conditioned fear, and open-field with methamphetamine challenge. The second pair/litter/condition received the light-dark test, swim channel, Morris water maze, forced swim, and EZM with diazepam challenge. Barren rearing reduced EZM time-in-open, whereas isolation rearing reduced open-field activity in males and increased it in females. Effects on straight channel swimming were minor. In the Cincinnati water maze test of egocentric learning, isolation rearing increased errors whereas barren cage housing reduced errors in combination with normal rearing. Barren cage with maternal separation (pup isolation) increased Cincinnati water maze escape latency but not errors. Barren cage housing reduced hyperactivity in response to methamphetamine. Isolation rearing increased time in open in the EZM after diazepam challenge. Trends were seen in the Morris water maze. These suggested that barren cage and isolation rearing in combination reduced latency on acquisition on days 1 and 2 in males, whereas females had increased latency on days 2 and 3. Combined exposure to two developmental stressors did not induce additive or synergistic effects, however the data show that these stressors had long-term effects with some evidence that the combination of both caused effects when either stressor alone did not, but synergism was not observed.

Effects of lysine biomass supplementation on growth performance and clinical indicators in broiler chickens.

Production of crystalline amino acids (AA) through microbial fermentation concomitantly provides an AA-enriched biomass that may serve as a cost-effective supplement for broiler chickens. We investigated the effects of feeding a fermentation biomass product containing approximately 62% Lys on growth performance, organ growth, and clinical outcomes of broilers. Beginning at 2 d post-hatch, a total of 360 Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments provided to 12 replicate cages of 6 birds. Practical corn-soybean meal-based dietary treatments included: negative control (NC; no supplementation of L-Lys, 1.01 and 0.86% standardized ileal digestible Lys in starter and grower phases, respectively), NC + 0.23% L-Lys HCl (positive control; PC), and NC supplemented with 0.30, 0.90, or 1.50% Lys biomass (LB) in both phases. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the study. Individual bird and feeder weights were recorded on study day 0, 10, 21, and 35. At study conclusion, birds from each treatment were randomly selected to collect blood and tissue samples. The PC and 0.30% LB diets elicited similar overall (day 0-35) body weight gain and birds were heavier (P < 0.001) than the NC and other LB treatments. The PC, 0.30% LB, and 0.90% LB groups had better (P < 0.001) overall feed conversion ratio than NC. Some LB-supplemented treatments elicited increased (P < 0.001) relative spleen and ileum weight compared with NC and PC. Heterophils were increased (P < 0.001) in LB treatments compared with PC and NC. Lymphocytes were decreased (P < 0.001) in LB treatments compared with NC, and 1.50% LB was similar to PC. This resulted in an increased (P < 0.001) heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in some LB treatments, which may have resulted from general AA supplementation or the LB product. Collectively, these results suggest that addition of up to 0.30% LB restored growth performance when added to a Lys-deficient practical diet and elicited results identical to the Lys-adequate PC diet with no negative clinical effects.

Effectiveness and safety of rhIGF1 therapy in patients with or without Laron syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The European Increlex® Growth Forum Database Registry monitors the effectiveness and safety of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-1 (rhIGF1; mecasermin, Increlex®) therapy in patients with severe primary IGF1 deficiency (SPIGFD). We present data from patients with and without a reported genetic diagnosis of Laron syndrome (LS). DESIGN: Ongoing, open-label, observational registry (NCT00903110). METHODS: Children and adolescents receiving rhIGF1 therapy from 10 European countries were enrolled in 2008-2017 (n = 242). The treatment-naïve/prepubertal (NPP) cohort (n = 138) was divided into subgroups based on reported genetic diagnosis of LS (n = 21) or non-LS (n = 117). Multivariate analysis of the NPP-non-LS subgroup was conducted to identify factors predictive of growth response (first-year-height standard deviation score (SDS) gain ≥ 0.3). Assessments included change in height and weight over 5 years and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Height SDS gain from baseline was greater in the NPP-LS than the NPP-non-LS subgroup after 1 years' treatment (P < 0.05). In the NPP-non-LS subgroup, 56% were responders; young age at baseline was a positive independent predictive factor (P < 0.001). NPP-non-LS-responders and the NPP-LS subgroup had a similar mean age (6.07 years vs 7.00 years) at baseline and height SDS gain in year 1 (0.64 vs 0.70), although NPP-non-LS-responders were taller (P < 0.001) at baseline. BMI SDS changes did not differ across subgroups. Treatment-emergent AEs were experienced by 65.3% of patients; hypoglycaemia was most common. CONCLUSIONS: In most NPP children with SPIGFD, with or without LS, rhIGF1 therapy promotes linear growth. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies.

Pharmacological serum concentrations of epinephrine and norepinephrine do not affect growth rate, morphogenesis, stress tolerance, and virulence of Candida albicans.

Vasopressors are frequently given in hemodynamically unstable patients with severe Candida sepsis. While catecholamines can aggravate sepsis-induced immune dysfunction and modulate bacterial virulence traits, their impact on fungal pathogenicity is poorly understood. Using IncuCyte time-lapse microscopy and a fruit fly candidiasis model, we studied growth rates, morphogenesis, stress tolerance, and virulence of C. albicans cocultured with epinephrine and norepinephrine. We found that pharmacologically attainable catecholamine serum concentrations caused minimal changes to in vitro growth kinetics, filamentation, and fungal resistance to thermal or oxidative stress. Similarly, exposure of C. albicans to catecholamines did not alter the survival of infected flies.

Improvement in the performance and inflammatory reaction of Ross 708 broilers in response to the in ovo injection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3.

The effects of the in ovo administration of vitamin D3 (D3) and its metabolite, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3), on the performance, breast meat yield, and inflammatory responses of broilers fed commercial diets were investigated. Live embryonated Ross 708 broiler hatching eggs were randomly assigned to one of the following 5 in ovo injection treatments at 18 d of incubation: 1) noninjected; 2) diluent; diluent containing 3) 2.4-µg D3, 4) 2.4-µg 25OHD3, or 5) 2.4-µg D3 + 2.4-µg 25OHD3. A 50-µL solution volume of each prespecified treatment was injected into each egg using an Inovoject multiegg injector. At hatch, 18 male chicks were randomly assigned to each of 30 floor pens. The BW, BW gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of the birds were determined in each dietary phase. At 14, 28, and 39 d of posthatch age (doa), plasma α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) levels in 1 bird in each of 6 replicate pens per treatment were determined at 14 and 39 doa. The pectoralis major and minor weights of those same birds were also determined. The remaining birds were processed at 43 doa, and the weights of their processing parts were determined. At 39 doa, the in ovo injection of 25OHD3 alone decreased plasma AGP concentrations in comparison with the noninjected, diluent, and D3-alone treatment groups. In addition, birds that received 25OHD3 alone had a greater BW at 42 doa than birds in the noninjected, diluent, and D3-alone treatment groups. At 39 and 43 doa, breast meat yield was increased in response to the in ovo injection of 25OHD3 alone in comparison to all other treatments. These results indicate that the in ovo injection of 2.4 µg of 25OHD3 resulted in an improvement in the performance and inflammatory responses of broilers. A reduction in the inflammatory response subsequent to the in ovo injection of 2.4 µg of 25OHD3 may have led to an increase in broiler performance.

Hokkaido birth cohort study on environment and children's health: cohort profile 2021

BACKGROUND@#The Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children's Health is an ongoing study consisting of two birth cohorts of different population sizes: the Sapporo cohort and the Hokkaido cohort. Our primary objectives are to (1) examine the effects that low-level environmental chemical exposures have on birth outcomes, including birth defects and growth retardation; (2) follow the development of allergies, infectious diseases, and neurobehavioral developmental disorders, as well as perform a longitudinal observation of child development; (3) identify high-risk groups based on genetic susceptibility to environmental chemicals; and (4) identify the additive effects of various chemicals, including tobacco.@*METHODS@#The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the progress of the Hokkaido Study, summarize recent results, and suggest future directions. In particular, this report provides the latest details from questionnaire surveys, face-to-face examinations, and a collection of biological specimens from children and measurements of their chemical exposures.@*RESULTS@#The latest findings indicate different risk factors of parental characteristics on birth outcomes and the mediating effect between socioeconomic status and children that are small for the gestational age. Maternal serum folate was not associated with birth defects. Prenatal chemical exposure and smoking were associated with birth size and growth, as well as cord blood biomarkers, such as adiponectin, leptin, thyroid, and reproductive hormones. We also found significant associations between the chemical levels and neuro development, asthma, and allergies.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Chemical exposure to children can occur both before and after birth. Longer follow-up for children is crucial in birth cohort studies to reinforce the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis. In contrast, considering shifts in the exposure levels due to regulation is also essential, which may also change the association to health outcomes. This study found that individual susceptibility to adverse health effects depends on the genotype. Epigenome modification of DNA methylation was also discovered, indicating the necessity of examining molecular biology perspectives. International collaborations can add a new dimension to the current knowledge and provide novel discoveries in the future.

Dietary Supplementation of Astaxanthin Improved the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Ability and Immune Response of Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Fed High-Fat Diet.

High-fat diet (HFD) usually induces oxidative stress and astaxanthin is regarded as an excellent anti-oxidant. An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary astaxanthin supplementation on growth performance, lipid metabolism, antioxidant ability, and immune response of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed HFD. Four diets were formulated: the control diet (10.87% lipid, C), high-fat diet (18.08% lipid, HF), and HF diet supplemented with 75 and 150 mg kg-1 astaxanthin (HFA1 and HFA2, respectively). Dietary supplementation of astaxanthin improved the growth of fish fed HFD, also decreased hepatosomatic index and intraperitoneal fat ratio of fish fed HFD, while having no effect on body fat. Malondialdehyde content and superoxide dismutase activity were increased in fish fed HFD, astaxanthin supplementation in HFD decreased the oxidative stress of fish. The supplementation of astaxanthin in HFD also reduced the mRNA levels of Caspase 3, Caspase 9, BAD, and IL15. These results suggested that dietary astaxanthin supplementation in HFD improved the growth performance, antioxidant ability and immune response of largemouth bass.

Sodium butyrate as an effective feed additive to improve performance, liver function, and meat quality in broilers under hot climatic conditions.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on growth performance, liver function, antioxidant capacity, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in broilers under hot climatic conditions. A total of 288 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments as follow: CON, control diet without SB; T1, control diet with 300 mg/kg SB; T2, control diet with 600 mg/kg SB; and T3, control diet with 1,200 mg/kg SB. Each treatment had 6 replication pens and 12 broilers per pen. The results indicated that the BW on day 35; ADG from day 1 to 21, day 22 to 35, and day 1 to 35; and ADFI from day 22 to 35 linearly (P < 0.05) increased with SB supplementation. Interestingly, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase content in serum were linearly (P < 0.05) decreased by SB supplementation. There was linear (P < 0.05) improvement in activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the liver, whereas the content of malondialdehyde was linearly (P < 0.05) decreased with the inclusion of SB. Increasing SB level linearly (P < 0.05) increased CP composition and decreased drip loss percentage on day 1 and 3 of breast muscle. Furthermore, there was linear (P < 0.05) improvement in activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, whereas the content of malondialdehyde showed decreasing trend (P < 0.10) with the inclusion of SB in breast muscle. In conclusion, SB can be used as an effective feed additive to improve growth performance, liver function, and meat quality of broilers under hot climatic conditions.

Effect of a commercial product containing canthaxanthin for in ovo feeding to broiler embryos on hatchability, chick quality, oxidation status, and performance.

In ovo feeding has been indicated to improve hatchability, newly hatched chick quality, and broiler performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of in ovo feeding of a commercial canthaxanthin product (CCX) containing lignosulphonate, corn starch, canthaxanthin, dextrin (yellow), and ethoxyquin through assessing incubation results, newly hatched quality and oxidation status and broiler performance at 1 to 14 d of age. A total of 780 egg were distributed in a randomized complete block design with 5 treatments (levels of CCX: 0.0, 0.35, 0.45, 0.55, and 0.65 mg/0.5 mL of sterilized and distilled water) and 156 eggs per treatment. The blocking factor was setters. At 17.5 d of embryo development, in ovo injected treatments were applied, using a manual needle. The in ovo feeding of CCX resulted in lower hatching rates (P < 0.05) and a longer hatching window (P < 0.05) as compared with noninjected CCX treatment. The CCX injection did not affect the bursa and spleen percentage of newly hatched chick (P > 0.05). In addition, a higher percentage of chicks with poor physical quality score (<71.0 points) was obtained among the chicks from eggs injected with 0.55 and 0.65 mg of CCX (P < 0.05). There were higher total proteins and catalase activity in the livers of the chicks injected with CCX. Broiler chicks in the control group (0.0 mg of CCX) presented higher BW and BW gain during 1 to 7 and 7 to 14 d of after hatch (P < 0.05). The viability (%) of chicks at 1 to 14 d of after hatch decreased with inoculation greater than 0.45 mg of CCX in ovo (P < 0.05). Although the CCX shown an improvement in oxidation status of chicks, the hatchability and performance of broilers decreased. We concluded that a commercial CCX is not recommended for injection in ovo, and furthers studies should carried out to elucidate the use of pure canthaxanthin.

Effects of taurine on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in broiler chickens.

To investigate the effects of dietary taurine supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, and lipid metabolism in broilers, 384 male broilers (Arbor Acres, 1 D of age) were randomly allocated into 4 groups with 8 replicates of 8 birds. Dietary treatments were supplemented with taurine at the level of 0.00, 2.50, 5.00, and 7.50 g/kg of the diet (denoted as CON, TAU1, TAU2, TAU3, respectively). The BW gain from 1 to 21 D and from 22 to 42 D were all increased linearly (linear, P < 0.001) by taurine supplementation. Throughout the trial period, the highest BW gain and favorable gain-to-feed ratio were observed in the TAU2 group. Taurine supplementation increased the antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased (linear, P < 0.001) the content of malondialdehyde in both serum and the liver of broilers and alleviated oxidative damage through enhancing (P < 0.05) the hepatic genes expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Correspondingly, in serum, the activities of hepatic lipase and total lipase were decreased linearly and quadratically (linear and quadratic, P < 0.001) with the increasing inclusion of taurine in the diet. Meanwhile, in serum, the content of triglycerides was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and except for TAU3, the total cholesterol content was also significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by taurine supplementation. In addition, the hepatic content of triglycerides was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the TAU1 and TAU2 groups. Compared with the CON group, the hepatic genes expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα), silent 1, (SIRT1) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1) were all increased (P < 0.05), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) expression was decreased (P < 0.05) in the TAU2 group. These results indicated that taurine supplementation improved the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism of broilers.

The effect of total sulfur amino acid levels on growth performance and bone metabolism in pullets under heat stress.

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of total sulfur amino acid (TSAA) levels on performance and bone metabolism in pullets under heat stress (HS). Hy-Line W36 day-old pullets (n = 216) were randomly distributed in 3 dietary treatments (70, 85, and 100% of TSAA), with 6 replicates of 12 birds. The treatments were defined as percentages of the TSAA level recommendation (100, 85, and 70%), and 85 and 100% of TSAA were obtained by adding L-Methionine to the basal deficient diet (70% of TSAA). The birds were raised under HS (35°C/7 h/D) from 1 to 18 wk. At 6, 12, and 18 wk, growth performance was measured. At 12 and 18 wk, bone weight, ash, collagenous (ColP), and noncollagenous proteins (NColP), tissue volume (TV), bone mineral content (BMC), and mineral density from total, cortical, and trabecular bones were evaluated. The means were subjected to ANOVA and, when significant (P ≤ 0.05), were compared by Dunnett's test. Regression analyses were performed to evaluate trends of TSAA dose response. Overall, birds fed 70% of TSAA showed poor growth and feed efficiency compared with other groups. Additionally, in at least 1 phase, birds fed 70% of TSAA showed lower bone ash, NColP, total BMC, and TV and higher ColP than the other treatments, whereas the cortical and trabecular TV and BMC were lower than 100% of TSAA (P < 0.04). Quadratic effects of TSAA levels on body weight gain (BWG) were found, and the level for maximum BWG was 95% of the TSAA recommendation (P < 0.03, R2 > 0.83). In conclusion, the use of a TSAA-deficient diet resulted in poor performance and delayed bone development. Additionally, the use of 100% of TSAA led to better initial structural bone development than 85% of TSAA. Therefore, the TSAA level recommended by the primary breeder guideline was enough to support growth and bone quality under HS, suggesting that HS does not alter TSAA requirement in pullets.

Impact of commercial feed dilution with copra meal or cassava leaf meal and enzyme supplementation on broiler performance.

A preliminary study investigated the impact of commercial feed dilution with copra meal (CM) or cassava leaf meal (CLM) and enzyme supplementation on broiler performance. Commercial feed alone (control) or diluted with CM and CLM at a concentration of 100 and 200 g/kg in the starter and finisher diets, respectively, was fed without and with Challenzyme 300A at a concentration of 300 g/tonne in 2 × 2 factorial arrangements with a control. Two hundred, 7-day-old male, Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 5 diets containing 4 replicates of 10 birds each. There were no interaction or main effects (P > 0.05) on feed intake during either the starter or finisher phase. In the starter phase, feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) increased (P < 0.05) in the group fed with CM without enzyme. Enzyme supplementation restored F:G similar to the control. Diet dilution with CM or CLM had no effect (P > 0.05) on weight gain (WG) in the starter phase. Diluting the feed with CM or CLM without enzyme suppressed (P < 0.05) WG and F:G in the finisher phase, but enzyme supplementation restored the lost performances. There were no interaction or main effects (P > 0.05) on the carcass traits. Enzyme supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) feed cost per kilogram of carcass. Heavier ceca were observed in the group fed with dilution diets (P < 0.05). Enzyme supplementation reduced cecum weight in the group fed with CM (P < 0.05). The heaviest (P < 0.05) abdominal fat was recorded in the group fed with enzyme-supplemented CM diet, and the lightest (P < 0.05) abdominal fat was recorded in the group fed with CLM with enzyme. In the main effects, lighter (P < 0.05) liver, gizzard, and proventriculus were recorded in the group fed with control diet than in the group fed with the CLM diets, but the weight of these segments did not differ (P > 0.05) between the control and CM groups and between the fiber sources. The results suggest that dilution of commercial diet with CM or CLM may be a viable option for medium- and small-scale broiler production in the region. There is need for more research in the level of dilution, enzyme source, and concentration.

Effects of graded levels of dietary squalene supplementation on the growth performance, plasma biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality in broiler chickens.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary squalene supplementation on the growth performance, plasma biochemical indices, antioxidant status, and meat quality in broilers. Two hundred and forty 0-day-old male chicks were allocated into 5 groups of 6 replicates and were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (Control group), 250, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 mg/kg squalene for 42 d. Dietary squalene supplementation linearly increased weight gain and feed efficiency of broilers during the grower and overall periods (P < 0.05). Squalene linearly decreased 21-d malondialdehyde (MDA) level and 42-d glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and both linearly and quadratically decreased 42-d MDA level in plasma (P < 0.05). In contrast, squalene linearly increased plasma reduced form of glutathione (GSH) level on 21 and 42 d and superoxide dismutase activity on 42 d (P < 0.05). Squalene supplementation linearly decreased 21-d MDA accumulation but linearly increased GSH level on 21 d and 42 d and both linearly and quadratically increased 21-d GSH-Px activity in liver (P < 0.05). Supplementing squalene linearly increased pH value at 48 h and linearly decreased lightness at 48 h and 24-h drip loss of breast muscle (P < 0.05). The lightness at 24 h and cooking loss of breast muscle were both linearly and quadratically reduced by squalene (P < 0.05). Dietary squalene administration linearly decreased MDA accumulation but linearly increased GSH level and GSH-Px activity of breast muscle (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, aforementioned growth performance, antioxidant-related parameters (except 42-d GSH-Px in plasma and breast and hepatic GSH), and meat quality were improved by squalene when its level was 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg (P < 0.05), with their results being similar between these 2 groups (P > 0.05). It was concluded that squalene administration especially at a level of 1,000 mg/kg can improve growth performance, antioxidant status, and meat quality in broilers, providing insights into its application as a potential feed additive in broiler production.

The effects of different doses of curcumin compound on growth performance, antioxidant status, and gut health of broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria species.

Supplementation of broiler diets with feed additives such as chemotherapeutic drugs and antibiotics has side effects, meat residues, and antibiotics resistance complications. Plant-derived natural compounds could be safe and easy substitutes for chemical additives. One of the natural compounds is curcumin, the extract from herbal plant Curcuma longa, known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which may be effective in reducing coccidia infection in poultry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of curcumin on Eimeria challenged (C) and nonchallenged (NC) Cobb 500 broilers. A total of 360 12-day-old male chicks were housed in 36 cages in a completely randomized design with 6 replicates per treatment of 10 birds each cage. The six corn-soybean meal-based treatment diets were fed from day 12 to 20 to C and NC birds in 3-by-two factorial arrangement: nonchallenged control (NCC), NC + 100 mg/kg curcumin, NC + 200 mg/kg curcumin, challenged control (CC), C + 100 mg/kg curcumin, and C + 200 mg/kg curcumin. Broilers in C groups were inoculated orally with 50,000 oocysts of Eimeria maxima, 50,000 oocysts of Eimeria tenella, and 250,000 oocysts of Eimeria acervulina on day 14. The intestinal permeability (day 19), growth performance parameters, and intestinal lesion scoring were measured and recorded on day 20. The means were subjected to two-way ANOVA, and main factors effect and their interactions were considered. The growth performance and permeability were higher (P < 0.001) in the NC and C groups, respectively. However, no interaction was observed between curcumin dose and cocci challenge on both of these parameters. Results from lesion scores and oocyst shedding showed reduction (P < 0.050) in birds fed C + 200 mg/kg curcumin compared with those fed C + 100 mg/kg curcumin or CC. Curcumin treatment showed higher production of GSH (P = 0.002) and total glutathione (GSH+2GSSG) (P = 0.002) but lower GSH/GSSG ratio (P < 0.001) than the NCC group. Curcumin exhibited some positive responses on antioxidant capacity, lesion score, and oocyst shedding in the present study, suggesting that curcumin alone or a combination with other feed additives could be a dietary strategy to improve gut health in broilers.