Effects of thinning on the understory light environment of different stands and the photosynthetic performance and growth of the reforestation species Phoebe bournei

Light levels determine regeneration in stands and a key concern is how to regulate the light environment of different stand types to the requirements of the understory.In this study,we selected three stands typical in south China(a Cryptomeria japonica plantation,a Quercus acutissima plantation,and a mixed stand of both)and three thinning intensities to determine the best understory light environ-ment for 3-year-old Phoebe bournei seedlings.The canopy structure,understory light environment,and photosynthe-sis and growth indicators were assessed following thin-ning.Thinning improved canopy structure and understory light availability of each stand;species composition was the reason for differences in the understory light environ-ment.Under the same thinning intensity,the mixed stand had the greatest light radiation and most balanced spectral composition.P.bournei photosynthesis and growth were closely related to the light environment;all three stands required heavy thinning to create an effective and sustained understory light environment.In a suitable understory light environment,the efficiency of light interception,absorption,and use by seedlings was enhanced,resulting in a higher carbon assimilation the main limiting factor was stomatal conductance.As a shade-avoidance signal,red/far-red radia-tion is a critical factor driving changes in photosynthesis and growth of P.bournei seedlings,and a reduction increased light absorption and use capacity and height:diameter ratios.The growth advantage transformed from diameter to height,enabling seedlings to access more light.Our findings suggest that the regeneration of shade-tolerant species such as P.bournei could be enhanced if a targeted approach to thinning based on stand type was adopted.

Low crude protein formulation with supplemental amino acids for its impacts on intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs

Background Low crude protein(CP)formulations with supplemental amino acids(AA)are used to enhance intestinal health,reduce costs,minimize environmental impact,and maintain growth performance of pigs.However,extensive reduction of dietary CP can compromise growth performance due to limited synthesis of non-essential AA and limited availability of bioactive compounds from protein supplements even when AA requirements are met.Moreover,implementing a low CP formulation can increase the net energy(NE)content in feeds causing excessive fat deposition.Additional supplementation of functional AA,coupled with low CP formulation could further enhance intestinal health and glucose metabolism,improving nitrogen utilization,and growth performance.Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of low CP formulations with supplemental AA on the intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.Methods In Exp.1,90 pigs(19.7±1.1 kg,45 barrows and 45 gilts)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(18.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,and Thr),LCP(16.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,Thr,Trp,and Val),and LCPT(16.1%CP,LCP+0.05%SID Trp).In Exp.2,72 pigs(34.2±4.2 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(17.7%CP,meeting the requirements of Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(15.0%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and VLCP(12.8%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,Phe,His,and Leu).In Exp.3,72 pigs(54.1±5.9 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments and fed experimental diets for 3 phases(grower 2,finishing 1,and finishing 2).Treatments were CON(18.0%,13.8%,12.7%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(13.5%,11.4%,10.4%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and LCPG(14.1%,12.8%,11.1%CP for 3 phases;LCP+Glu to match SID Glu with CON).All diets had 2.6 Mcal/kg NE.Results In Exp.1,overall,the growth performance did not differ among treatments.The LCPT increased(P<0.05)Claudin-1 expression in the duodenum and jejunum.The LCP and LCPT increased(P<0.05)CAT-1,4F2hc,and B0AT expressions in the jejunum.In Exp.2,overall,the VLCP reduced(P<0.05)G:F and BUN.The LCP and VLCP increased(P<0.05)the backfat thickness(BFT).In Exp.3,overall,growth performance and BFT did not differ among treatments.The LCPG reduced(P<0.05)BUN,whereas increased the insulin in plasma.The LCP and LCPG reduced(P<0.05)the abundance of Streptococcaceae,whereas the LCP reduced(P<0.05)Erysipelotrichaceae,and the alpha diversity.Conclusions When implementing low CP formulation,CP can be reduced by supplementation of Lys,Thr,Met,Trp,Val,and Ile without affecting the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs when NE is adjusted to avoid increased fat deposition.Supplementation of Trp above the requirement or supplementation of Glu in low CP formulation seems to benefit intestinal health as well as improved nitrogen utilization and glucose metabolism.

Effects of Fresh Cupressus sempervirens Leaves Infusion on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters in Broilers

The accumulation of growth-promoting antibiotic residues in animal products and the resistance developed by bacteria in poultry farms has led to a search for natural compounds derived from plants. This study was designed to promote the production performance of broiler chickens using fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves infusion. Fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves were harvested, washed, chopped and ground to a paste using a blender and fermented for three days in a closed container at a rate of 500 g/L of water. The solution obtained was filtered and added at the rate of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ml/L of drinking water. The chickens fed on the graded level of the solution were compared to a control ration without an additive and positive control group supplemented with 1 g antibiotic/kg feed. At the finisher phase and throughout the study period, water intake increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of infusion. Feed intake decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with 2 and 4 ml of infusion/L drinking water. Live weight and weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) higher with 6 ml/L, while feed conversion significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with the same treatment compared with the control treatment without additives (T0). Carcass characteristics were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the inclusion of Cupressus sempervirens infusion. Haematological parameters significantly (P < 0.05) increase independently of the rate of incorporation of the infusion into the drinking water, with the exception of RBCs, MCHT and PCT. Serum content in total protein, globulins, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (P < 0.05) high with 8 and 10 ml Cupressus sempervirens infusion/litre drinking water as compared to all other treatments. AST, ALT, urea, creatine, albumin, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were not significantly affected. The lactic acid bacteria load increased significantly (P E. coli and salmonella counts decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with infusion compared to the control without additive. In conclusion, 6 ml of Cupressus sempervirens infusion can be used as an alternative to antibiotic feed additives to promote growth performance in broilers.

Effects of Fermented Puffed Feather Meal on Growth Performance,Serum Biochemical Indices,Meat Quality,and Intestinal Microbiota in Broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented puffed feather meal(FPFM)on growth performance,serum biochemical indices,meat quality,and intestinal microbiota in Arbor Acres(AA)broilers.A single-factor design was adopted,and four treatments were administered with five replicates to 240 one-day-old AA broilers.The control group(group A)received a basal diet,while the experimental groups received a basal diet plus 33%(group B),67%(group C)and 100%(group D)FPFM,respectively.Compared with group A,(1)the average daily gain(ADG)in group C decreased(P<0.05),and the feed conversion ratio(FCR)in group D increased(P<0.05);(2)the level of serum urea nitrogen in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of triglyceride,high density lipoprotein,low density lipoprotein,cholesterol,and glucose contents in group D increased(P<0.05)at day 21;(3)the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group B and the immunoglobulin A in group C increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group D decreased(P<0.05)at day 42;(4)the share force of breast muscle and thigh muscle in group D increased(P<0.05);(5)the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum of group B increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the villus height in group C and D increased(P<0.05)at day 42;(6)the proteobacteria counts in the cecum digesta in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05)at day 21.The basal diet supplemented with 33%FPFM promoted protein metabolism,enhanced immunity and improved meat quality,promoted the digestion and absorption of nutrients,increased intestinal microbial diversity,and improved the content of beneficial bacteria without affecting the growth performance,it was possible to be used as a good substitute for fish meal.

Effect of Using Israel Napier Grass in Feed Ration on Growth Performance of Local Chicken of Cambodia

This study investigated the effect of Israel grass in feed formulation on growth performance of local chicken.The study was conducted from October 2023 until January 2024 in Kampong Chheutel Institute of Technology.The CRD(Completely Randomized Design)was used with 4 treatments and 4 replications.The local chicks were purchased from local famer at 1 day old and kept in whole pen by feeding commercial feed.At 21 days old the total 320 chicks were allocated into experimental treatments.The 4 feed formulas based on the level of Israel grass added such as 0,5%,7%and 9%,were called T1(control),T2,T3 and T4 respectively.The result showed that body weight gain,feed intake,ADG(Average Daily Gain)and FCR(Feed Conversion Ratio)in all treatments were not significantly different(p>0.05).However,there was strong correlation between living weight with carcass of al treatments,but no difference among carcass percentage of local chicken for all different diet in this study.In conclusion,the Israel grass did not affect growth performance of local chickens and can be used to replace some expensive feed ingredient,such as rice bran.

Effects of the Compatibility of Chinese Medical Herbs on Health and Growth Performance of Broilers

[Objective] The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Chinese medical herbs including astragali and taraxacum on health and growth performance of broilers.[Method] The tested Chinese medical herbs were added into the basal diet of avian broilers for measuring the variation of their health and growth performance.[Result]Compared to the control group(fed by basal diet and with antibiotics as additive),the body weight of broilers fed by compatibility A(0.8% astragali;0.4% haw;0.4% dried citrus peel;0.4% rhizoma atractylodis)and by compatibility B(1.2% taraxacum;0.8% smoked plums;0.8% amur cork-tree bark;0.4% astragali)increased by 6.12%(P<0.01)and 0.64%(P>0.05),respectively;feed intakes changed by-7.95% and 9.99%,respectively;feed conversion rates changed by-14.04% and 9.35%,respectively.The survival rate of compatibility B was similar to that of control group.[Conclusion]Compatibility of Chinese medical herbs containing astragali can improve the growth performance of avian broilers,and that containing taraxacum may to some extent result in the decrease of growth performance,but it can play the role instead of antibiotic additives.

Effect of Glycyrrhiza Polysacchride on Growth Performance and Immunity Function of Mice

Aniso-dose glycyrrhiza polysaccharide was injected into abdominal cavity of mice. The effect of glycyrrhiza polysaccharide on growth performance and immune ruction of mice was determined. The results showed that the growth performance and immune function of mice were improved and there were significant differences among the treatment groups and control group.

Effects of Probiotics on Growth Performance and Blood Biochemical Indexes of Cherry Valley Ducks

In order to investigate the effects of probiotics on growth performance, blood biochemical indexes and economic benefits of Cherry Valley ducks, different probiotics were added into the feed of Cherry Valley ducks. Total 240 1-d-old Cherry Valley ducks were selected, and they were randomly divided into 4 groups, including 1 control group and 3 treatment groups. There were 3 replicates for each group and there were 20 ducks for each replicate. The ducks in the control group were fed the basal diet, and the ducks in the 3 treatment groups were fed the basal diet added with Lactobacillus, Bacillus natto and florfenicol, respectively. The test lasted for 42 d. The results showed that the addition of Lactobacillus and Bacillus natto could improve the average daily weight gain and final average weight （P〈0.05） of Cherry Valley ducks, and reduce the glutamic-pyruvic transaminase ac- tivity, alkaline phosphatase activity and serum urinary nitrogen content in duck blood （P〈0.05） and reduce the creatinine content and total cholesterol content in Cherry Valley ducks （P〉0.05）; at the same time, adding probiotics to feed could also in- crease the grass economic benefits of Cherry Valley ducks. In overall, the effects of adding probiotics were better than those of adding antibiotic.

Effects of a Self-made Compound Chinese Herbal Medicine Additive on Growth Performance and Occurrence of Diarrhea in Weaned Piglets

In this study,the effects of compound Chinese herbal medicine on growth performance and occurrence of diarrhea in weaned piglets were investigated.A compound Chinese herbal medicine that consisted of Astragalus membranaceus,Codonopsis pilosula,Epimedium sagittatum,massa medicata fermentata,Atractylodes macrocephala,malt,Glycyrrhiza uralensis,Angelica sinensis and Crataegus pinnatifida,was crushed and then passed through a 500-mesh sieve.The obtained powder was added to the basal diet of weaned piglets.A total of 100 healthy crossbred weaned piglets,aging 26±2 days,were selected.They were randomly divided into 5groups（20 piglets/group） in according to principles of similar parity（3-5）,similar body weight and half male and half female.The piglets in the control group were fed with basal diet.For the piglets in the I,II and III groups,0.4%,0.7% and 1.0%of Chinese herbal medicine additive were added to the basal diets,respectively.The basal diet of piglets in the IV group was added with 30 mg/kg of oxytetracycline.The results showed the incidences of diarrhea in I,II and III groups were4.85%,5.14% and 5.63% lower than that of control groups（P〈0.05）.There was no significant difference in incidence of diarrhea between the control and the IV groups.

Growth Performance of Hybrid Progenies of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Populations from Different Geographical Origins

[Objective] This study aimed to evaluate growth performance of hybrid progenies of 10 grass carp （Ctenopharyngodon idella） populations from different ge- ographical origins （Foshan population, Zhaoqing population, Jingzhou population 1, Jingzhou population 2, Jingzhou population 3, Ezhou population, Yiyang population, Changsha population 1, Changsha population 2 and Jiangsu population）. [Method] Fifteen hybrid combinations were established with these ten grass carp populations and cultured in the same pond. The body mass of hybrid progenies was measured at the age of 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15 and 18 months, respectively. Using body mass at the age of 4 months as a concomitant variable, the growth performance of proge- nies from different hybrid combinations was analyzed by covariance analysis. [Re- suit] The average body mass of hybrid progenies of Jingzhou population 2 c2 x Foshan population $ reached the maximum （1 892.90 g） at the age of 18 months, which was 3.51%-32.36% higher than that of other hybrid progenies. Multiple com- parison analysis showed that average body mass of hybrid progenies of Jingzhou population 2 2 x Foshan population ♂ and Jingzhou population 1 ♀× Foshan population ♂ was significantly higher than that of other hybrid progenies （P〈0.05）. [Conclusion] In the production process, Jingzhou population 2 ♀ × Foshan popula- tion 5 and Jingzhou population 1 ♀×Foshan population ♂ can be used to pro- duce high-quality fries, thereby greatly improving economic benefits. This study laid the foundation for establishment of rapid-growing grass carp core populations.

Effects of dietary Clostridium butyricum supplementation on growth performance,intestinal development,and immune response of weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide

Background: Weanling pigs, with immature immune system and physiological function, usually experience postweaning diarrhea. This study determined the effects of dietary Clostridium butyricum supplementation on growth performance, diarrhea, and immunity of weaned pigs challenged with lipopolysaccharide(LPS).Methods: In Experiment(Exp.) 1,144 weaned piglets were weaned at 21 d and randomly assigned to six groups,with six replicates per group and four pigs per replicate, receiving a control diet(CON) or diet supplemented with antibiotics(AB) or C. butyricum(CB)(0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, or 0.8%), respectively. All diets in Exp. 1 were a highly digestible basal diet, with 3,000 mg/kg zinc oxide supplied in the first 2 wk only. In Exp. 2, 180 piglets were weaned at 21 d and randomly assigned to five groups, with six replicates per group and six pigs per replicate, receiving CON, AB, or CB(0.2%, 0.4%, or 0.6%) diets. The digestibility of diets was lower than those in Exp. 1, and did not include zinc oxide. At 36 d of Exp. 2, 12 piglets were selected from each of the CON and 0.4% CB groups, six piglets were intraperitoneally injected with LPS(50 μg/kg body weight) and the other six piglets with normal saline;animals were killed at 4 h after injection to collect blood, intestine, and digesta samples for biochemical analysis.Results: In Exp. 1, CB and AB diets had no effect on growth performance of piglets. In Exp. 2, 0.4% CB decreased feed-gain ratio(P < 0.1), diarrhea score(P < 0.05), and increased duodenal, jejunal, and ileal villus height and jejunal villus height/crypt depth(P < 0.05). The 0.4% CB decreased the plasma tumor necrosis factor(TNF) α(P < 0.05) but increased ileal mucosa IL-10 and TLR2 mRNA expression(P < 0.05). Furthermore, 0.4% CB altered the microbial profile, with Bacillus and Ruminococcaceae UGG-003 at genus level and Lactobacillus casei and Parasutterella secunda at species level were higher than CON in colonic content(P < 0.05).Conclusions: Dietary C. butyricum supplementation had positive effects on growth of weaned piglets with less digestible diets. There was a tendency to reduce the feed-gain ratio, which could reduce feed costs in pig production. Moreover, C. butyricum decreased post-weaning diarrhea by improving the intestinal morphology,intestinal microflora profile, and immune function.

Effects of melatonin implantation on cashmere yield,fibre characteristics,duration of cashmere growth as well as growth and reproductive performance of Inner Mongolian cashmere goats

Background： Exogenous melatonin could induce cashmere growth. However, induced growth of cashmere fleece by melatonin implants cannot be combined with the typical growth, resulting in earlier shedding followed by another cycle of cashmere growth. To address this issue, we examine the effects on the cashmere yield, fibre characteristics, and the growth and reproductive performance of cashmere goats of planned administration of melatonin. Methods： Eighteen half-sib, female goats were assigned to two treatments （n = 9） including a control and a treatment where melatonin （2 mg/kg BW） was implanted at the end of April and end of June. Cashmere growth and shedding were observed for approximately ] year following implantation. Fibre samples were collected monthly to determine cumulative cashmere length. Initiation and cessation dates for cashmere growth as well as the rate of cashmere growth were calculated. Cashmere yield, weight gain of dam, kidding date, litter size, and birth weight were also recorded. Results： Melatonin implantation increased cashmere yield by 34.5 % （control 553.7 g vs. melatonin 745.0 g; P〈 0.01）, cashmere length by 21.3 % （control 95.2 mm vs. melatonin 115.4 mm; P 〈 0.01）, and decreased fibre diameter by 4.4 % （control 14.6 pm vs. melatonin 14.0 IJm; P 〈 0.03）. In melatonin-treated goats, the average initiation date was earlier than in control goats （May 18, 2013 vs. July 2, 20]3; P〈 0.01） but there was a similar cessation date （March 22, 2014 vs. March 27, 2014）. Consequently, the duration of cashmere growth was longer in melatonin-treated goats than in control goats （307 vs.270 days; P 〈 0.01）. The final BW, average daily gain, kidding date, litter size, and birth weight were not influenced by melatonin implantation. Conclusions： These data indicate that melatonin implantation （2 mg/kg BW） on two occasions （late April and June） increased cashmere yield by combining the induced growth of cashmere fleece with the typical growth and decreased the fibre diameter without changing dam growth rate or reproductive performance.

Effects of dietary protein/energy ratio on growth performance,carcass trait,meat quality,and plasma metabolites in pigs of different genotypes

Background： The protein/energy ratio is important for the production performance and utilization of available feed resources by animals. Increased protein consumption by mammals leads to elevated feed costs and increased nitrogen release into the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary protein/energy ratio on the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and plasma metabolites of pigs of different genotypes. Methods： Bama mini-pigs and Landrace pigs were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups （Chinese conventional diet with low protein/energy ratio or National Research Council diet with high protein/energy ratio; n = 24 per treatment） in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Blood and muscle samples were collected at the end of the nursery, growing, and finishing phases. Results： We observed significant interactions （P 〈 0.05） between breed and diet for total fat percentage, intramuscular fat （IMF） content, protein content in biceps femoris （BF） muscle, and plasma urea nitrogen （UN） concentration in the nursery phase; for average daily gain （ADG）, average daily feed intake （ADFI）, dry matter, IMF content in psoas major （PM） muscle, and plasma total protein and albumin concentrations in the growing phase; and for drip loss and plasma UN concentration in the finishing phase. Breed influenced （P 〈 0.05） growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality, but not plasma metabolites. Throughout the trial, Landrace pigs showed significantly higher （P 〈 0.0_5） ADG, ADFI, dressing percentage, lean mass rate, and loin-eye area than did Bama mini-pigs, but significantly lower （P 〈 0.0.5） feed/gain ratio, fat percentage, backfat thickness, and IMF content. Dietary protein/energy ratio influenced the pH value, chemical composition of BF and PM muscles, and plasma activities of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and plasma concentration of UN. Conclusions： Compared with Landrace pigs, Bama mini-pigs showed slower growth and lower carcass performance, but had better meat quality. Moreover, unlike Landrace pigs, the dietary protein/energy ratio did not affect the growth performance of Bama mini-pigs. These results suggest that, in swine production, low dietary protein/energy ratio may be useful for reducing feed costs and minimizing the adverse effects of ammonia release into the environment.

Effect of different dietary protein levels and amino acids supplementation patterns on growth performance, carcass characteristics and nitrogen excretion in growing-finishing pigs

Background:This study was conducted to determine the effects of different dietary protein levels and amino acids supplementation patterns in low protein diets on the growth performance,carcass characteristics and nitrogen excretion in growing-finishing pigs.Forty-two barrows(25.00±0.39 kg)were randomly assigned to 7 diets.Diet 1:the high crude protein diet with balanced for 10 essential amino acids(EAAs).Diet 2:the medium crude protein diet with 2%(approx)decreased protein level of Diet 1 and balanced 10 EAAs.Diet 3:the low crude protein diet with 4%decreased protein level of Diet 1 and balanced 10 EAAs.The protein levels of Diet 4,5,6 and 7 were the same as that of Diet 3.Diet 4 was only balanced for lysine(Lys),methionine(Met),threonine(Thr)and tryptophan(Trp);Diet 5 and 6 were further supplemented with extra isoleucine(Ile)or valine(Val),respectively;Diet 7 was further supplemented with extra Ile+Val.Results:Over the 112 days trial,the reduction of dietary protein by 2%or 4%with balanced10 EAAs significantly decreased nitrogen excretion(P<0.05),but had no effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics(P>0.05).In low protein diet,Val supplementation significantly increased body weight gain at 25–50 kg phase(P<0.05),while Ile supplementation at 75–100 kg phase and 100–125 kg phase significantly reduced the ratio of feed to gain(P<0.05).No effect of different dietary protein levels and amino acids supplementation patterns in low protein diets on carcass characteristics was observed(P>0.05).The total N excretion of pigs supplemented with only Lys,Met,Thr and Trp was numerically higher than that of pigs fed with extra Ile,or Val,or Ile+Val diets.Conclusion:In low protein diet,Val is more required than Ile in the early growing phage(25–50 kg),while Ile becomes more required in the late growing and finishing phage(75–125 kg).

Effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch polysaccharide on growth performance and immunologic function in mice in Ural City,Xinjiang

Objective:To discuss the effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis(G.uralensis) Fisch polysaccharide on growth performance and immunologic function in mice in Ural City,Xinjiang and to provide important data supporting the application of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide.Methods:A total of100 Kunming mice aged 3 weeks old were randomly divided into 5 groups with 20 mice in each group(10 were females and 10 were males).About 0.5 mL normal saline was given to the mice of control group every day and 0.5 mL G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide was given to the mice of other groups at the concentration of 1,20,50 and 100 mg/mL respectively.The growth performance(average body weight,average daily feed intake and feed efficiency),immune organ indexes(spleen index and thymus index) and immunologic function(serum IL-2,CD4^+/CD8^+ and the activity of NK cells) of mice in each group were detected continuously.Results:The average body weight,feed efficiency,serum IL-2,CD4^+/CD8^+ and the activity of NK cells of mice were increased with the increase of administrated time after administrating G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide and were reached up the largest level on Day 28.At the same time,each index was proportional to the given dose and was significantly higher than those of control group and reached up the largest level at the administrated dose of 100 mg/mL.After administrating G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide,the spleen index and thymus index of mice were increased with the increase of administrated dose and the spleen index and thymus index of mice administrated with the dose of 100 mg/mL were maximum which was more than 1.51 times and 1.43 times of that in control group respectively and the comparative differences showed statistical significance(P<0.05).The average daily feed intake of mice in each group was increased with the passage of lime and at the same time,the comparison of average daily feed intake of mice in each group was not significantly different(P>0.05).Conclusions:G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide can significantly improve the growth performance and immunologic function of mice and laid a research basis for the clinical application of G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide.

Effects of creep feeding and supplemental glutamine or glutamine plus glutamate (Aminogut) on pre- and post-weaning growth performance and intestinal health of piglets

Background： Creep feeding is used to stimulate piglet post-weaning feed consumption.L-Glutamine（GLN） is an important source of fuel for intestinal epithelial cells.The objective of this study was to determine the impact of creep feeding and adding GLN or AminoGut（AG;containing glutamine ＋ glutamate） to pre-and post-weaning diets on pig performance and intestinal health.Litters（N = 120） were allotted to four treatments during 14–21 d of lactation： 1） No creep feed（NC,n = 45）;2） creep fed control diet（CFCD,n = 45）;3） creep fed 1% GLN（CFGLN,n = 15）;4） creep fed.88% AG（CFAG,n = 15）.After weaning,the NC and CFCD groups were sub-divided into three groups（n = 15 each）,receiving either a control nursery diet（NC-CD,CFCD-CD） or a diet supplemented with either GLN（NC-GLN,CFCD-GLN） or with AG（NC-AG,CFCD-AG）.Litters that were creep fed with diets containing GLN or AG also were supplemented with those amino acids in the nursery diets（CFGLN-GLN,CFAG-AG）.Glutamine was added at 1% in all three post-weaning diet phases and AG was added at.88% in phase 1 and 2 and at.66% in phase 3.Results： Feed conversion（feed/gain） showed means among treatment means close to significance（P = 0.056） and Tukey＇s test for pairwise mean comparisons showed that Pigs in the CFGLN-GLN group had the best feed conversion（feed/gain） in the first three-week period post-weaning,exceeding（P = 0.044） controls（CFCD-CD） by 34%.The NC-AG group had（P = 0.02） the greatest feed intake in the last three week of the study,exceeding controls（CFCD-CD） by 12%.CFGLN-GLN,CFCD-GLN and sow reared（SR） pigs had the greatest（P = 0.049） villi height exceeding the CFCD-AG group by 18%,20% and 19% respectively.The CFAG-AG group had the deepest（P = 0.001） crypts among all treatments.CFGLN-GLN,CFCD-GLN and SR groups had the greatest（P = 0.001） number of cells proliferating（PCNA） exceeding those in the NC-CD group by 43%,54% and 63% respectively.Sow reared pigs showed the greatest（P = 0.001） intestinal absorption capacity for xylose and mannitol.Conclusion： Supplementation of creep feed and nursery diets with GLN and/or AminoGut in the first three week improved feed conversion possibly due to improved intestinal health.

Effects of different forms of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance,intestinal development,and systemic immunity in early-weaned piglets

The present study was conducted to determine effects of different forms of yeast （Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain Y200007） on the growth performance, intestinal development, and systemic immunity in early-weaned piglets. A total of 96 piglets （14-d old, initial average body weight of 4.5 kg） were assigned to 4 dietary treatments： （1） basa diet without yeast （Control）; （2） basal diet supplemented with 3.00 g/kg live yeast （LY）; （3） basal diet supplemented with 2.66 g/kg heat-killed whole yeast （HKY）; and （4） basal diet supplemented with 3.00 g/kg superfine yeast powders （SFY）. Diets and water were provided ad libitum to the piglets during 3-week experiment. Growth performance of piglets was measured weekly. Samples of blood and small intestine were collected at days 7 and 21 of experiment. Dietary supplementation with LY and SFY improved G：F of piglets at days ]-21 of the experiment （P 〈 0.05） compared to Control group. Serum concentrations of growth hormone （GH）, triiodothyronine （T3）, tetraiodothyronine （T4）, and insulin growth factor 1 （iGF-1） in piglets at day 21 of the experiment were higher when fed diets supplemented with LY and SFY than those in Control group （P 〈 0.05）. Compared to Control group, contents of serum urea nitrogen of piglets were reduced by the 3 yeast-supplemented diets （P 〈 0.05）. Diets supplemented with LY increased villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio in duodenum and jejunum of piglets （P 〈 0.05） compared to other two groups at day 7 of the experiment. Feeding diets supplemented with LY and SFY increased （P 〈 0.05） serum concentrations of IgA, IL-2, and IL-6 levels in piglets compared to Control. The CD4＋/CD8＋ ratio and proliferation of T-lymphocytes in piglets fed diets supplemented with LY were increased compared to that of Control group at day 7 of the experiment （P 〈 0.05）. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with both LY and SFY enhanced feed conversion, small intestinal development, and systemic immunity in early-weaned piglets, with better improvement in feed conversion by dietary supplementation with LY, while dietary supplementation with SFY was more effective in increasing systemic immune functions in early-weaned piglets.

Effects of dietary supplementation of probiotic,Clostridium butyricum,on growth performance,immune response,intestinal barrier function,and digestive enzyme activity in broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli K88

Background： Colibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coil （E. coil} results in economic losses in the poultry industry. Antibiotics are usually used to control colibacillosis, however, E. coli has varying degrees of resistance to different antibiotics. Therefore the use of probiotics is becoming accepted as an alternative to antibiotics. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Clostfidium butyricum （C. butyficum） on growth performance, immune response, intestinal barrier function, and digestive enzyme activity in broiler chickens challenged with Eschefichia coli （E. coil） K88. Methods： The chickens were randomly divided into four treatment groups for 28 days. Negative control treatment （NC） consisted of birds fed a basal diet without E. coil K88 challenge and positive control treatment （PC） consisted of birds fed a basal diet and challenged with E. coil K88. C. buO/ricum probiotic treatment （CB） consisted of birds fed a diet containing 2 x 107 cfu C. buO/ricum/kg of diet and challenged with E. coil K88. Colistin sulfate antibiotic treatment （CS） consisted of birds fed a diet containing 20 mg colistin sulfate/kg of diet and challenged with E. coil K88. Results： The body weight （BW） and average day gain （ADG） in the broilers of CB group were higher （P 〈 0.05） than the broilers in the PC group overall except the ADG in the 14-21 d post-challenge. The birds in CB treatment had higher （P 〈 0.05） concentration of tumor necrosis factor-a （TNF-a） at 3 and 7 d post-challenge, and higher （P 〈 0.05） concentration of interleukin-4 （IL-4） at 14 d post-challenge than those in the PC treatment group. The concentration of serum endotoxin in CB birds was lower （P 〈 0.05） at 21 d post-challenge, and the concentrations of serum diamine oxidase in CB birds were lower （P 〈 0.05） at 14 and 21 d post-challenge than in PC birds. Birds in CB treatment group had higher （P 〈 0.05） jejunum villi height than those in PC, NC, or CS treatment at 7, 14, and 21 d post-challenge. In comparison to PC birds, the CB birds had lower （P 〈 0.05） jejunum crypt depth during the whole experiment. The birds in CB or CS treatment group had higher （P 〈 0.05） activities of amylase and protease at 3, 7, and 14 d post-challenge, and higher （P 〈 0.05） activity of lipase at 3, 7 d post-challenge than PC birds.

Superior growth performance in broiler chicks fed chelated compared to inorganic zinc in presence of elevated dietary copper

Background： The goal of this study was to compare the antagonism of elevated dietary Cu （250 mg/kg） from CuS04 on three different Zn sources （ZnS04. H20; [Zn bis（-2-hydroxy-4-（methylthio）butanoic acid）], Zn（HMTBa）2 a chelated Zn methionine hydroxy analogue; and Zn-Methionine）, as measured using multiple indices of animal performance in ROSS 308 broilers. Methods： Three experiments were conducted in broiler chicks fed a semi-purified diet. All birds were fed a Zn-deficient diet （8.5 mg/kg diet） for 1 wk, and then provided with the experimental diets for 2 wks. Results： Experiment 1 was a 2 x 2 factorial design with two levels of Cu （8 vs. 250 mg/kg diet from CuSO4） and two Zn sources at 30 mg/kg [ZnSO4. H20 vs. Zn（HMTBa）2]. Elevated Cu impaired growth performance only in birds fed ZnSO4. Compared to ZnSO4. H20, Zn（HMTBa）2 improved feed intake （12 %; P 〈 0.001） and weight gain （12 %, P 〈 0.001） and the benefits were more pronounced in the presence of 250 mg/kg diet Cu. Experiment 2 was a dose titration of ZnSO4- H20 and Zn（HMTBa）2 at 30, 4,5, 60, and 75 mg/kg diet in the presence of 250 mg/kg CuSO4. Feed：gain was decreased and tibia Zn was increased with increasing Zn levels from 30 to 75 mg/kg. Birds fed Zn（HMTBa）2 consumed more food and gained more weight compared to birds fed ZnSO4, especially at lower supplementation levels （30 and 45 mg/kg; interaction P 〈 0,05）. Experiment 3 compared two organic Zn sources （Zn（HMTBa）2 vs. Zn-Methionine） at 30 mg/kg with or without 250 mg/kg CuSO4. No interactions were observed between Zn sources and Cu levels on performance or tissue mineral concentrations. High dietary Cu decreased weight gain （P 〈 0.01）. Tibia Cu and liver Cu were significantly increased with 250 mg/kg dietary Cu supplementation （P 〈 0.01）. No difference was observed between the two Zn sources. Conclusions： Dietary 250 mg/kg Cu significantly impaired feed intake and weight gain in birds fed ZnSO4. H20, but had less impact in birds fed Zn（HMTBa）2. No difference was observed between the two organic zinc sources These results are consistent with the hypothesis that chelated organic Zn is better utilized than inorganic zinc in the presence of elevated Cu.

The Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Phytase Transgenic Corn on Growth Performance,Phosphorus Utilization and Excretion in Growing Pigs (Sus scrofa)

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with phytase transgenic corn （PTC） on growth performance,phosphorus （P） utilization and excretion in growing pigs.In Exp.1,180 pigs （Large White × Landrace,BW=37.7 kg） were randomly allotted to 4 treatments with 5 replicates of 9 pigs each in order to evaluate the effect of PTC supplementation in low-P diets on growth performance.Four corn soybean meal-based diets consisted of a positive control （PC） diet,a diet containing 500 units （U） of exogenous phytase kg-1 （EP） on the basis of low-P （inorganic P reduced by 0.05% from PC diet） and the low-P＋500 （PTC1） or 750 （PTC2） phytase U of PTC kg-1.In Exp.2,20 barrows （Large White×Landrace,BW=31 kg,4 treatments with 5 replicates of 1 pig each） were randomly selected to evaluate the effect of PTC in low-P diets on serum parameters and nutrient utilization.Diets in Exp.2 were similar to those in Exp.1 except that the EP group was replaced by a low-P diet without exogenous phytase supplementation as a negative control （NC） group.The results from Exp.1 showed that the average daily gain （ADG） in the PTC2 group was significantly higher （P〈0.05） than that in the EP group over all periods.On the other hand,the feed：gain （F：G） ratio of the EP group was significantly higher （P〈0.05） than that of the PTC2 group during 1-21 and 1-42 d,respectively.There were no differences in average daily feed intake （ADFI） among all treatments （P〉0.05）.The results from Exp.2 showed that the concentration of serum Ca in the NC group was the highest （P〈0.05）,while the concentration of serum P in the PTC2 group was the highest （P〈0.05） among all treatments.There was a significant decrease （P〈0.05） in the P apparent digestibility of the NC group compared with the other groups,and that of PTC2 group was the best.Furthermore,fecal P excretion was reduced （P〈0.05） from 1.80 g d-1 in the PC group to 1.28 g d-1 in the PTC2 group.In conclusion,dietary supplementation with PTC could reduce the application of inorganic P,decrease fecal P excretion,and improve the growth performance of growing pigs.