Effect of in ovo feeding of xylobiose and xylotriose on plasma immunoglobulin, cecal metabolites production, microbial ecology, and metabolic pathways in broiler chickens

Background Dietary supplementation of xylooligosac charides(XOS) has been found to influence gut health by manipulating cecal microbiota and producing microbe-origin metabolites.But no study investigated and compared the effect of in ovo feeding of xylobiose(XOS2) and xy lotriose(XOS3) in chickens.This study investigated the effect of in ovo feeding of these XOS compounds on post-hatch gut health parameters in chickens.A total of 144 fertilized chicken eggs were divided into three groups:a) non-injected control(CON),b) XOS2,and c) XOS3.On the 17^(th) embryonic day,the eggs of the XOS2 and XOS3 groups were injected with 3 mg of XOS2 and XOS3 diluted in 0.5 mL of 0.85% normal saline through the amniotic sac.After hatching,the chicks were raised for 21 d.Blood was collected on d 14 to measure plasma immunoglobulin.Cecal digests were collected for measuring short-chain fatty acids(SCFA) on d 14 and 21,and for microbial ecology and microbial metabolic pathway analyses on d 7 and 21.Results The results were considered significantly different at P<0.05.ELISA quantified plasma IgA and IgG on d 14chickens,revealing no differences among the treatments.Gas chromatography results showed no significant differences in the concentrations of cecal SCFAs on d 14 but significant differences on d 21.However;the SCFA concentrations were lower in the XOS3 than in the CON group on d 21.The cecal metagenomics data showed that the abundance of the family Clostridiaceae significantly decreased on d 7,and the abundance of the family Oscillospiraceae increased on d 21 in the XOS2 compared to the CON.There was a reduction in the relative abundance of genus Clostridium sense stricto 1 in the XOS2 compared to the CON on d 7 and the genus Ruminococcus,torques in both XOS2 and XOS3 groups compared to the CON on d 21.The XOS2 and XOS3 groups reduced the genes for chondroitin sulfate degradation Ⅰ and L-histidine degradation Ⅰpathways,which contribute to improved gut health,respectivelyc in the microbiome on d 7.In contrast,on d 21,the XOS2 and XOS3 groups enriched the thiamin salvage Ⅱ,L-isoleucine biosynthesis Ⅳ,and O-antigen building blocks biosynthesis(E. coli) pathways,which are indicative of improved gut health.Unlike the XOS3 and CON,the microbiome enriched the pathways associated with energy enhancement,including flavin biosynthesis Ⅰ,sucrose degradation Ⅲ,and Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle pathways,in the XOS2 group on d 21.Conclusion In ovo XOS2 and XOS3 feeding promoted beneficial bacterial growth and reduced harmful bacteria at the family and genus levels.The metagenomic-based microbial metabolic pathway profiling predicted a favorable change in the availability of cecal metabolites in the XOS2 and XOS3 groups.The modulation of microbiota and metabolic pathways suggests that in ovo XOS2 and XOS3 feeding improved gut health during the post-hatch period of broilers.

Correlation between Intestinal Health and Coccidiosis Prevalence in Broilers during Different Seasons of the Year in Brazil from 2012 to 2018

Coccidiosis is a disease caused by intracellular protozoan parasites, specifically belonging to the genus Eimeria. These parasites target the gastrointestinal tract in different types of hosts, causing sores in the intestinal lining. The presence of these lesions reduces the animal’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients, significantly impacting their overall performance. The current study aimed to explore the potential correlation between seasonal variations and the incidence of Eimeria spp-induced lesions in broiler chickens’ gastrointestinal tracts in Brazil from 2012 to 2018. A total of 8,607 broiler chickens, aged 14 to 42 days, were sampled from 103 poultry integrated companies in Brazil to conduct intestinal health examinations. The sampling process involved selecting 3 to 6 chickens from each poultry house for examination. The assessment included various abnormalities such as shedding of intestinal cells and excessive fluid and mucus presence, thickening and tension of the intestines, food movement, roughened mucosal surface resembling a Turkish towel in the small intestine, tissue death, duodenal inflammation, intestinal inflammation, gizzard erosion, presence of worms and bedding material, and ingestion of mealworms. During the seasons, winter exhibited the highest average occurrence of Eimeria maxima microorganisms at 52.83%, with E. acervulina following closely at 26.42% in second place. In spring, E. maxima had an occurrence of 11.31%, while in fall, E. tenella had the lowest occurrence at 6.74%. When analyzing the seasonal occurrence of Eimeria, it was observed that E. maxima micro was more common during winter compared to summer (P = 0.0491). However, no discernible variation was observed in the occurrence of the remaining species across different seasons. Research findings suggest that subclinical coccidiosis is most prevalent during the winter season in Brazil. Likewise, clinical disease caused by E. acervulina is also prevalent during this time. In contrast, E. maxima is more likely to cause clinical disease in the spring, whereas E. tenella is more commonly associated with clinical disease in the fall. Lesions induced by Eimeria spp. are associated with factors influencing the overall health of broiler intestines. These findings allow for the utilization of seasonal metrics in disease management, thereby reducing economic losses associated with the condition.

Embryonic thermal manipulation:a potential strategy to mitigate heat stress in broiler chickens for sustainable poultry production

Due to high environmental temperatures and climate change, heat stress is a severe concern for poultry health and production, increasing the propensity for food insecurity. With climate change causing higher temperatures and erratic weather patterns in recent years, poultry are increasingly vulnerable to this environmental stressor. To mitigate heat stress, nutritional, genetic, and managerial strategies have been implemented with some success. However, these strategies did not adequately and sustainably reduce the heat stress. Therefore, it is crucial to take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of heat stress on poultry, ensuring optimal production and promoting poultry well-being. Embryonic thermal manipulation(TM) involves manipulating the embryonic environment's temperature to enhance broilers' thermotolerance and growth performance. One of the most significant benefits of this approach is its cost-effectiveness and saving time associated with traditional management practices. Given its numerous advantages, embryonic TM is a promising strategy for enhancing broiler production and profitability in the poultry industry. TM increases the standard incubation temperature in the mid or late embryonic stage to induce epigenetic thermal adaption and embryonic metabolism. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the available literature and scientific evidence of the beneficial effect of pre-hatch thermal manipulation on broiler health and performance.

Dietary xylo‑oligosaccharides and arabinoxylans improved growth efficiency by reducing gut epithelial cell turnover in broiler chickens

Background One of the main roles of the intestinal mucosa is to protect against environmental hazards.Supple-mentation of xylo-oligosaccharides(XOS)is known to selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria and improve gut health and function in chickens.XOS may have an impact on the integrity of the intestinal epithelia where cell turnover is critical to maintain the compatibility between the digestive and barrier functions.The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of XOS and an arabinoxylan-rich fraction(AXRF)supplementation on gut func-tion and epithelial integrity in broiler chickens.Methods A total of 128 broiler chickens(Ross 308)were assigned into one of two different dietary treatments for a period of 42 d:1)control diet consisting of a corn/soybean meal-based diet;or 2)a control diet supplemented with 0.5%XOS and 1%AXRF.Each treatment was randomly distributed across 8 pens(n=8)with 8 chickens each.Feed intake and body weight were recorded weekly.On d 42,one male chicken per pen was selected based on aver-age weight and euthanized,jejunum samples were collected for proteomics analysis.Results Dietary XOS/AXRF supplementation improved feed efficiency(P<0.05)from d 1 to 42 compared to the con-trol group.Proteomic analysis was used to understand the mechanism of improved efficiency uncovering 346 dif-ferentially abundant proteins(DAP)(Padj<0.00001)in supplemented chickens compared to the non-supplemented group.In the jejunum,the DAP translated into decreased ATP production indicating lower energy expenditure by the tissue(e.g.,inhibition of glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle pathways).In addition,DAP were associated with decreased epithelial cell differentiation,and migration by reducing the actin polymerization pathway.Put-ting the two main pathways together,XOS/AXRF supplementation may decrease around 19%the energy required for the maintenance of the gastrointestinal tract.Conclusions Dietary XOS/AXRF supplementation improved growth efficiency by reducing epithelial cell migration and differentiation(hence,turnover),actin polymerization,and consequently energy requirement for maintenance of the jejunum of broiler chickens.

Gut microbiota intervention attenuates thermogenesis in broilers exposed to high temperature through modulation of the hypothalamic 5‑HT pathway

Background Broilers have a robust metabolism and high body temperature,which make them less tolerant to hightemperature(HT)environments and more susceptible to challenges from elevated temperatures.Gut microbes,functioning as symbionts within the host,possess the capacity to significantly regulate the physiological functions and environmental adaptability of the host.This study aims to investigate the effects of gut microbial intervention on the body temperature and thermogenesis of broilers at different ambient temperatures,as well as the underlying mechanism involving the"gut-brain"axis.Methods Broilers were subjected to gut microbiota interference with or without antibiotics(control or ABX)starting at 1 day of age.At 21 day of age,they were divided into 4 groups and exposed to different environments for 7 d:The control and ABX groups at room temperature(RT,24±1℃,60%relative humidity(RH),24 h/d)and the control-HT and ABX-HT groups at high temperature(HT,32±1℃,60%RH,24 h/d).Results The results demonstrated that the antibiotic-induced gut microbiota intervention increased body weight and improved feed conversion in broiler chickens(P<0.05).Under HT conditions,the microbiota intervention reduced the rectal temperature of broiler chickens(P<0.05),inhibited the expression of avUCP and thermogenesisrelated genes in breast muscle and liver(P<0.05),and thus decreased thermogenesis capacity.Furthermore,the gut microbiota intervention blunted the hypothalamic‒pituitary‒adrenal axis and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activation induced by HT conditions.By analyzing the cecal microbiota composition of control and ABX chickens maintained under HT conditions,we found that Alistipes was enriched in control chickens.In contrast,antibioticinduced gut microbiota intervention resulted in a decrease in the relative abundance of Alistipes(P<0.05).Moreover,this difference was accompanied by increased hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)content and TPH2 expression(P<0.05).Conclusions These findings underscore the critical role of the gut microbiota in regulating broiler thermogenesis via the gut-brain axis and suggest that the hypothalamic 5-HT pathway may be a potential mechanism by which the gut microbiota affects thermoregulation in broilers.

The chemical characteristics of different sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate sources and their relative bioavailabilities for broilers fed with a conventional corn‑soybean meal diet

Background Our previous studies demonstrated that divalent organic iron(Fe)proteinate sources with higher complexation or chelation strengths as expressed by the greater quotient of formation(Qf)values displayed higher Fe bioavailabilities for broilers.Sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate(NaFeEDTA)is a trivalent organic Fe source with the strongest chelating ligand EDTA.However,the bioavailability of Fe when administered as NaFeEDTA in broilers and other agricultural animals remains untested.Herein,the chemical characteristics of 12 NaFeEDTA products were determined.Of these,one feed grade NaFeEDTA(Qf=2.07×10^(8)),one food grade NaFeEDTA(Qf=3.31×10^(8)),and one Fe proteinate with an extremely strong chelation strength(Fe-Prot ES,Qf value=8,590)were selected.Their bioavailabilities relative to Fe sulfate(FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O)for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet were evaluated during d 1 to 21 by investigating the effects of the above Fe sources and added Fe levels on the growth performance,hematological indices,Fe contents,activities and gene expressions of Fe-containing enzymes in various tissues of broilers.Results NaFeEDTA sources varied greatly in their chemical characteristics.Plasma Fe concentration(PI),transferrin saturation(TS),liver Fe content,succinate dehydrogenase(SDH)activities in liver,heart,and kidney,catalase(CAT)activity in liver,and SDH mRNA expressions in liver and kidney increased linearly(P<0.05)with increasing levels of Fe supplementation.However,differences among Fe sources were detected(P<0.05)only for PI,liver Fe content,CAT activity in liver,SDH activities in heart and kidney,and SDH mRNA expressions in liver and kidney.Based on slope ratios from multiple linear regressions of the above indices on daily dietary analyzed Fe intake,the average bioavailabilities of Fe-Prot ES,feed grade NaFeEDTA,and food grade NaFeEDTA relative to the inorganic FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O(100%)for broilers were 139%,155%,and 166%,respectively.Conclusions The bioavailabilities of organic Fe sources relative to FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O were closely related to their Qf values,and NaFeEDTA sources with higher Qf values showed higher Fe bioavailabilities for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet.

Dietary eubiotics of microbial muramidase and glycan improve intestinal villi,ileum microbiota composition and production trait of broiler

Background Optimal gut health is important to maximize growth performance and feed efficiency in broiler chickens.A total of 1,365 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly divided into 5 treatments groups with 21 replicates,13 birds per replicate.The present research investigated effects of microbial muramidase or a precision glycan alone or in combination on growth performance,apparent total tract digestibility,total blood carotenoid content,intestinal villus length,meat quality and gut microbiota in broiler chickens.Treatments included:NC:negative control(basal diet group);PC:positive control(basal diet+0.02%probiotics);MR:basal diet+0.035%microbial muramidase;PG:basal diet+0.1%precision glycan;and MRPG:basal diet+0.025%MR+0.1%PG,respectively.Results MRPG group increased the body weight gain and feed intake(P<0.05)compared with NC group.Moreover,it significantly increased total serum carotenoid(P<0.05)and MRPG altered the microbial diversity in ileum contents.The MRPG treatment group increased the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes,and family Lachnospiraceae,Ruminococcaceae,Oscillospiraceae,Lactobacillaceae,Peptostreptococcaceae and decreased the abundance of the phylum Campilobacterota,Bacteroidota and family Bacteroidaceae.Compared with the NC group,the chickens fed MRPG showed significantly increased in duodenum villus length at end the trial.Conclusion In this study,overall results showed that the synergetic effects of MR and PG showed enhancing growth performance,total serum carotenoid level and altering gut microbiota composition of broilers.The current research indicates that co-supplementation of MR and PG in broiler diets enhances intestinal health,consequently leading to an increased broiler production.

Effects of Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharides on growth performance,intestinal barrier function and cecal microbiota in yellow-feathered broilers under heat stress

Background Global warming leading to heat stress(HS)is becoming a major challenge for broiler production.This study aimed to explore the protective effects of seaweed(Enteromorpha prolifera)polysaccharides(EPS)on the intestinal barrier function,microbial ecology,and performance of broilers under HS.A total of 144 yellow-feathered broilers(male,56 days old)with 682.59±7.38 g were randomly assigned to 3 groups:1)TN(thermal neutral zone,23.6±1.8℃),2)HS(heat stress,33.2±1.5℃ for 10 h/d),and 3)HSE(HS+0.1%EPS).Each group contained 6 replicates with 8 broilers per replicate.The study was conducted for 4 weeks;feed intake and body weights were measured at the end of weeks 2 and 4.At the end of the feeding trial,small intestine samples were collected for histomorphology,antioxidant,secretory immunoglobulin A(s Ig A)content,apoptosis,gene and protein expression analysis;cecal contents were also collected for microbiota analysis based on 16S r DNA sequencing.Results Dietary EPS promoted the average daily gain(ADG)of broilers during 3–4 weeks of HS(P<0.05).At the end of HS on broilers,the activity of total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD),glutathione S-transferase(GST),and the content of s Ig A in jejunum were improved by EPS supplementation(P<0.05).Besides,dietary EPS reduced the epithelial cell apoptosis of jejunum and ileum in heat-stressed broilers(P<0.05).Addition of EPS in HS group broilers'diet upregulated the relative m RNA expression of Occludin,ZO-1,γ-GCLc and IL-10 of the jejunum(P<0.05),whereas downregulated the relative m RNA expression of NF-κB p65,TNF-αand IL-1βof the jejunum(P<0.05).Dietary EPS increased the protein expression of Occludin and ZO-1,whereas it reduced the protein expression of NF-κB p65 and MLCK(P<0.01)and tended to decrease the protein expression of TNF-α(P=0.094)in heat-stressed broilers.Furthermore,the proportions of Bacteroides and Oscillospira among the three groups were positively associated with jejunal apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression(P<0.05)and negatively correlated with jejunal Occludin level(P<0.05).However,the proportions of Lactobacillus,Barnesiella,Subdoligranulum,Megasphaera,Collinsella,and Blautia among the three groups were positively related to ADG(P<0.05).Conclusions EPS can be used as a feed additive in yellow-feathered broilers.It effectively improves growth performance and alleviates HS-induced intestinal injury by relieving inflammatory damage and improving the tight junction proteins expression.These beneficial effects may be related to inhibiting NF-κB/MLCK signaling pathway activation and regulation of cecal microbiota.

Responses of growth performance,antioxidant function,small intestinal morphology and mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein to dietary iron in yellow-feathered broilers

This study aimed to investigate the dose-effect of iron on growth performance,antioxidant function.intestinal morphology,and mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein in 1-to21-d-old yellow-feathered broilers.A total of 7201-d-old yellow-feathered maleb roilers were allocated to 9 treatments with 8 replicate cages of 10 birds per cage.The dietary treatments were consisted of a basal diet(contained 79.6 mg Fe kg^(-1))supplemented with 0,20,40,60,80,160,320,640,and 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)in the form of FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O.Compared with the birds in the control group,birds supplemented with 20mg Fe kg^(-1)had higher average daily gain(ADG)(P<0.0001).Adding 640 and 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)significantly decreased ADG(P<0.0001)and average daily feed intake(ADFI)(P<0.0001)compared with supplementation of 20mg Fe kg^(-1).Malondialdehyde(MDA)concentration in plasma and duodenum increased linearly(P<0.0001),but MDA concentration in liver and jejunum increased linearly(P<0.05)or quadratically(P<0.05)with increased dietary Fe concentration.The villus height(VH)in duodenum and jejunum,and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(V/C)in duodenum decreased linearly(P?0.05)as dietary Feincreased.As dietary Fe increased,the jejunal relative mRNA abundance of claudin-1 decreased linearly(P=0.001),but the jejunal relative mRNA abundance of zona occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin decreased linearly(P?0.05)or quadratically(P?0.05).Compared with the supplementation of 20 mg Fe kg^(-1),the supplementation of640 mg Fe kg^(-1)or higher increased(P?0.05)MDA concentrations in plasma,duodenum,and jejunum,decreased VH in the duodenum and jejunum,and the addition of 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)reduced(P?0.05)the jejunal tight junction protein(claudin-1,ZO-1,occludin)mRNA abundance.In summary,640 mg of supplemental Fe kg^(-1)or greater was associated with decreased growth performance,increased oxidative stress,disrupted intestinal morphology,and reduced mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein.

Dietary Macleaya cordata extract supplementation improves the growth performance and gut health of broiler chickens with necrotic enteritis

Background The poultry industry needs effective antibiotic alternatives to control outbreaks of necrotic enteritis(NE)caused by Clostridium perfringens.Methods The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)on the immune function and gut microbiota of broilers with NE.A total of 2881-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to a 2×2 factorial arrangement with two concentrations of dietary MCE supplementation(0 or 350 mg/kg of diet)and two disease challenge statuses(control or NE).Results The results revealed that NE significantly increased the feed conversion rate(FCR),mortality,intestinal lesion score,the levels of IL-1β,IL-17 and IFN-γ/IL-4 in serum and IL-17/IL-10 in the jejunal mucosa,m RNA levels of TLR2,IFN-γand p Ig R in the jejunum,and Clostridium perfringens concentrations in the cecum.NE significantly decreased the body weight(BW),body weight gain(BWG),jejunal villus height,V/C,m RNA level of AMPK-α1 in jejunum,IL-4 level in the jejunal mucosa and lactic acid bacteria abundance in the cecum.MCE significantly increased BW,BWG,jejunal villus height,V/C,m RNA levels of occludin,ZO-1 and AMPK-α1 in the jejunum,the levels of Ig A and Ig G in serum and IL-10 in the jejunal mucosa and m RNA levels of NF-κB,IL-10 and MHC-II in the jejunum.Additionally,MCE significantly decreased the FCR,mortality,intestinal lesion score,jejunal crypt depth,the levels of IFN-γand IL-17 in serum and IL-17/IL-10 in the jejunal mucosa,Clostridium perfringens concentrations in the cecum,and m RNA levels of IL-17/IL-10 in the jejunum.Moreover,NE significantly increased the abundance of bacteria that are associated with inflammation,obesity and depression(Alistipes,Barnesiella,Intestinimonas,RF39 and UCG-005)and significantly decreased the abundance of short-chain fatty acid(SCFA)-producing bacteria(Anaerotruncus,Butyricicoccus and Bacteroides)in the cecum.MCE significantly increased the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria(Streptococcus,Ruminococcus_torques_group and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group)and significantly reduced the abundance of bacteria that are associated with inflammation and obesity(Alistipes,Barnesiella and UCG-010)in the cecum.In the cecum of broilers with NE,the relative abundance of Barnesiella and Alistipes was higher and that of Lachnoclostridium and Shuttleworthia was lower.Interestingly,these trends were reversed by the addition of MCE to the diet.Spearman correlation analysis showed that Barnesiella and Alistipes were associated with enhanced intestinal inflammation and inhibited growth performance,whereas Lachnoclostridium and Shuttleworthia were associated with anti-inflammatory effects.Conclusions MCE ameliorated the loss of growth performance in broiler chickens with NE,probably by regulating the intestinal barrier,immune function,and gut microbiota.

Transcriptome analysis reveals steroid hormones biosynthesis pathway involved in abdominal fat deposition in broilers

Excessive abdominal fat deposition reduces the feed efficiency and increase the cost of production in broilers.Therefore,it is an important task for poultry breeders to breed broilers with low abdominal fat.Abdominal fat deposition is a highly complex biological process,and its molecular basis remains elusive.In this study,we performed transcriptome analysis to compare gene expression profiles at different stages of abdominal fat deposition to identify the key genes and pathways involved in abdominal fat accumulation.We found that abdominal fat weight(AFW)increased gradually from day 35(D35)to 91(D91),and then decreased at day 119(D119).Accordingly,after detecting differentially expressed genes(DEGs)by comparing gene expression profiles at D35 vs.D63 and D35 vs.D91,and identifying gene modules associated with fat deposition by weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA),we performed intersection analysis of the detected DEGs and WGCNA gene modules and identified 394 and 435 intersecting genes,respectively.The results of the Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses showed that the steroid hormone biosynthesis and insulin signaling pathways were co-enriched in all intersecting genes,steroid hormones have been shown that regulated insulin signaling pathway,indicating the importance of the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway in the development of broiler abdominal fat.We then identified 6 hub genes(ACTB,SOX9,RHOBTB2,PDLIM3,NEDD9,and DOCK4)related to abdominal fat deposition.Further analysis also revealed that there were direct interactions between 6 hub genes.SOX9 has been shown to bind to proteins required for steroid hormone receptor binding,and RHOBTB2 indirectly regulates the steroid hormones biosynthesis through cyclin factor,and ultimately affect fat deposition.Our results suggest that the genes RHOBTB2 and SOX9 play an important role in fat deposition in broilers,by regulating steroid hormone synthesis.These findings provide new targets and directions for further studies on the mechanisms of fat deposition in chicken.

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.

Technical-Economic Performance, Carcass and Meat Quality of COBB500 Broilers Fed Rations Incorporating Mango By-Product Feeds in Ivory Coast (West Africa)

The study evaluated the growth performance and carcass quality of COBB500 broilers fed two experimental rations incorporating feed and mango fine ED10 for a batch of 83 birds, ED20 (batch of 83 birds) in comparison with a commercial control ration CCD (84 birds). For this purpose, 250 day-old chicks of this breed were purchased in Korhogo and transported to Tengréla in Ivory Coast for rearing. The results show that substituting mango provender ans and mango seed flour for maize resulted in rations with costs per kgMS of 215.35FCFA, 2016.93FCFA and 320FCFA for the ED10, ED20 and CCD rations respectively. The production costs per kg of chicken (FCPkgLW) of the CCD ration were significantly higher than those of the ED10 and ED20 (p 0.05). ADGs were significantly different and decreasing from CCD, ED20 to ED10 (p 0.05). Average weights at 42nd day for ED20 and CCD were homogeneous (p > 0.05) and significantly higher than for ED10 (p 0.05). By day 49th the average weight of ED20 had reached and exceeded that of CCD by day 42nd. PSLW, HCW and CCW were significantly different and decreasing from CCW, ED20 to ED10 (p 0.05). Average hot (HCY) and cooled (CCY) carcass yields of ED20 and CCD rations were comparable (p > 0.05) and significantly higher than those of ED10 ration (p = 0.009) and 0.003). Average drumstick and neck weights were significantly higher and lower for CCD, ED20 and ED10 (p 0.05). For all other parts of the cut, the average weights of the CCD ration were significantly higher (p 0.05) than those of the ED20 and ED10 rations, which were homogeneous (p 0.05). The incorporation of mango provender and mango seed flour in broiler rations offers the prospect of reduced production costs, less competition between man and animals over cereals, and lean meat production that is more appreciated than that of chickens fed conventional feed. As it stands, the ED20 ration can be recommended as a growth diet for broilers. It would be necessary to determine the levels of anti-nutritional substances in mango feeds and to assess the in vivo digestibility of mango ingredients and the diets incorporating them.

Effects of Supplemental Glutamine and Lysine on Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

The optimum levels of Lysine and Glutamine needed for growth performance and maintenance of the chicken broilers were evaluated in a randomized 3 × 4 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. The battery cages measured 99 × 66 × 25 cm that can be sufficient for 5 birds. Day old Chicken broilers totaling 180 were assigned to dietary treatments comprising of 3 concentrations of Lysine (0.85, 1.14, and 1.42) each in combination with 4 concentrations of Glutamine (0, 1, 2, and 3). Each dietary treatment was replicated 3 times and each replication had 5 birds. The birds were given feed and water ad libitum with a 23-hour light regimen for a period of 4 weeks. Then, the experimental birds were evaluated for body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion in order to determine their optimum requirement for dietary Lysine and Glutamine. Based on the findings of this study, the highest performance was observed in birds fed the diet supplemented with 1.42 lysine and 1% glutamine, but the highest improvement in feed conversion was observed in diet contain 1.14 and 1.42 with 1% and 3% glutamine, respectively. Birds fed 1.42 lysine and 1% glutamine had the highest total body weight gain and feed consumption. The lysine requirements in the diet for Chicken are between 1.14 and 1.42 with glutamine level of 1%.

Dietary Epimedium extract supplementation improves intestinal functions and alters gut microbiota in broilers

Background Growth-promoting antibiotics have been banned by law in the livestock and poultry breeding industry in many countries.Various alternatives to antibiotics have been investigated for using in livestock.Epimedium(EM)is an herb rich in flavonoids that has many beneficial effects on animals.Therefore,this study was planned to explore the potential of EM as a new alternative antibiotic product in animal feed.Methods A total of 7201-day-old male broilers(Arbor Acres Plus)were randomly divided into six groups and fed basal diet(normal control;NC),basal diet supplemented with antibiotic(75 mg/kg chlortetracycline;CTC),and basal diet supplemented with 100,200,400 or 800 mg/kg EM extract for 6 weeks(EM100,EM200,EM400 and EM800 groups).The growth performance at weeks 3 and 6 was measured.Serum,intestinal tissue and feces were collected to assay for antioxidant indexes,intestinal permeability,lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)profiles,microbial composition,and expression of intestinal barrier genes.Results The average daily feed intake in CTC group at 1-21 d was significantly higher than that in the NC group,and had no statistical difference with EM groups.Compared with NC group,average daily gain in CTC and EM200 groups increased significantly at 1-21 and 1-42 d.Compared with NC group,EM200 and EM400 groups had significantly decreased levels of lipopolysaccharide and D-lactic acid in serum throughout the study.The concentrations of lactic acid,acetic acid,propionic acid,butyric acid and SCFAs in feces of birds fed 200 mg/kg EM diet were significantly higher than those fed chlortetracycline.The dietary supplementation of chlortetracycline and 200 mg/kg EM significantly increased ileal expression of SOD1,Claudin-1 and ZO-1 genes.Dietary supplemented with 200 mg/kg EM increased the relative abundances of g_NK4A214_group and Lactobacillus in the jejunal,while the relative abundances of Microbacterium,Kitasatospora,Bacteroides in the jejunal and Gallibacterium in the ileum decreased.Conclusion Supplementation with 200 mg/kg EM extract improved the composition of intestinal microbiota by regulating the core bacterial genus Lactobacillus,and increased the concentration of beneficial metabolites lactic acid and SCFAs in the flora,thereby improving the antioxidant capacity and intestinal permeability,enhancing the function of tight junction proteins.These beneficial effects improved the growth performance of broilers.

Dietary organic acids ameliorate high stocking density stress-induced intestinal inflammation through the restoration of intestinal microbiota in broilers

Background:High stocking density(HSD)stress has detrimental effects on growth performance,intestinal barrier function,and intestinal microbiota in intensive animal production.Organic acids(OA)are widely used as feed addi-tives for their ability to improve growth performance and intestinal health in poultry.However,whether dietary OA can ameliorate HSD stress-induced impaired intestinal barrier in broilers remains elusive.In this study,a total of 528 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 12 replicates per treatment including 10 birds for normal stocking density and 17 birds for HSD.The dietary treatments were as follows:1)Normal stocking density+basal diet;2)HSD+basal diets;3)HSD+OA.Results:HSD stress can induce increased levels of serum corticosterone,lipopolysaccharides,interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,and down-regulated mRNA expression of ZO-1,resulting in compromised growth performance of broilers(P<0.05).Dietary OA could significantly reduce levels of serum corticosterone,lipopolysaccharides,interleukin-1β,and tumor necrosis factor-α,which were accompanied by up-regulated interleukin-10,mRNA expres-sion of ZO-1,and growth performance(P<0.05).Moreover,OA could down-regulate the mRNA expression of TLR4 and MyD88 to inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway(P<0.05).Additionally,HSD stress significantly decreased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and disturbed the balance of microbial ecosystems,whereas OA significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and restored the disordered gut microbiota by reducing competitive and exploita-tive interactions in microbial communities(P<0.05).Meanwhile,OA significantly increased the content of acetic and butyric acids,which showed significant correlations with intestinal inflammation indicators(P<0.05).Conclusions:Dietary OA ameliorated intestinal inflammation and growth performance of broilers through restor-ing the disordered gut microbial compositions and interactions induced by HSD and elevating short-chain fatty acid production to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.These findings demonstrated the critical role of intestinal microbiota in mediating the HSD-induced inflammatory responses,contributing to exploring nutritional strategies to alleviate HSD-induced stress in animals.

Dietary bamboo leaf flavonoids improve quality and microstructure of broiler meat by changing untargeted metabolome

Background Dietary bamboo leaf flavonoids(BLFs)are rarely used in poultry production,and it is unknown whether they influence meat texture profile,perceived color,or microstructure.Results A total of 720 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were supplemented with a basal diet with 20 mg bacitracin/kg,50 mg BLFs/kg,or 250 mg BLFs/kg or without additions.Data showed that the dietary BLFs significantly(P<0.05)changed growth performance and the texture profile.In particular,BLFs increased birds’average daily gain and average daily feed intake,decreased the feed:gain ratio and mortality rate,improved elasticity of breast meat,enhanced the gumminess of breast and leg meat,and decreased the hardness of breast meat.Moreover,a significant(P<0.05)increase in redness(a*)and chroma(c*)of breast meat and c*and water-holding capacity of leg meat was found in BLF-supplemented broilers compared with control broilers.In addition,BLFs supplementation significantly decreased(P<0.05)theβ-sheet ratio and serum malondialdehyde and increased theβ-turn ratio of protein secondary structure,superoxide dismutase,and glutathione peroxidase of breast meat and total antioxidant capacity and catalase of serum.Based on the analysis of untargeted metabolome,BLFs treatment considerably altered 14 metabolites of the breast meat,including flavonoids,amino acids,and organic acids,as well as phenolic and aromatic compounds.Conclusions Dietary BLFs supplementation could play a beneficial role in improving meat quality and sensory color in the poultry industry by changing protein secondary structures and modulating metabolites.

Dietary supplemental coated essential oils and organic acids mixture improves growth performance and gut health along with reduces Salmonella load of broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis

Background Reducing Salmonella infection in broiler chickens by using effective and safe alternatives to antibiotics is vital to provide safer poultry meat and minimize the emergence of drug-resistant Salmonella and the spread of salmonellosis to humans.This study was to first evaluate the protective efficacy of feeding coated essential oils and organic acids mixture(EOA)on broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis(S.Enteritidis,SE),and then its action mechanism was further explored.Methods A total of 4801-day-old Arbor Acres male chickens were randomly assigned into five treatments with six replicates,including non-challenged control fed with basal diet(A),SE-challenged control(B),and SE-infected birds fed a basal diet with 300 mg/kg of EOA(BL),500 mg/kg of EOA(BM)and 800 mg/kg of EOA(BH),respectively.All birds on challenged groups were infected with Salmonella Enteritidis on d 13.Results Feeding EOA showed a reversed ability on negative effects caused by SE infection,as evidenced by decreasing the feed conversion rate(FCR)and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(VH/CD)(P<0.05),obviously decreasing intestinal and internal organs Salmonella load along with increasing cecal butyric acid-producing bacteria abundance(P<0.05).Moreover,supplemental different levels of EOA notably up-regulated claudin-1(CLDN-1),occludin(OCLN),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),mucin-2(MUC-2),fatty acid binding protein-2(FABP-2),nuclear factor kappa-light-chainenhancer of activated B cells(NF-κB),myeloid differential protein-88(MyD88)and interleukin-6(IL-6)mRNA levels in the ileum of the infected chickens after challenge,whereas down-regulated toll-like receptor-4(TLR-4)mRNA levels(P<0.05).Linear discriminant analysis combined effect size measurements analysis(LEfSe)showed that the relative abundance of g_Butyricicoccus,g_Anaerotruncus and g_unclassified_f_Bacillaceae significantly was enriched in infected birds given EOA.Also,phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states(PICRUSt)analysis showed that alpha-linolenic acid metabolism,fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids were significantly enriched in the EOA group.Conclusion Our data suggest that the essential oils and organic acids mixture can be used as an effective strategy to ameliorate and alleviate Salmonella Enteritidis infection in broilers.

Effects of tannic acid on the immunity and intestinal health of broiler chickens with necrotic enteritis infection

Background In broiler chickens,necrotic enteritis(NE)infection can reduce production performance.Tannic acid has shown great potential as a treatment of NE in broilers.However,the appropriate dosage of tannic acid in NE of broilers and the improvement effect on intestinal health are not very clear.In this study,we aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of tannic acid on the production performance,immunity,and intestinal health of broilers by constructing an NE model with C.perfringens infection and determining the appropriate dosage of tannic acid with regard to NE.Results Challenged birds showed significant reduction in body weight,villus height,and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(P<0.05)and increase in the feed consumption gain ratio,intestinal lesion score,and crypt depth(P<0.05).The infection significantly reduced the relative Bacteroidota and Ligilactobacillus abundance(P<0.05)and increased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota and cecal content of C.perfringens(P<0.05).Challenged birds fed diets supplemented with tannic acid showed significantly increased mRNA expression of nutrient transport carriers and intestinal barrier genes and growth performance and reduced serum zonulin and endotoxin levels(P<0.05).Addi-tion of tannic acid to the diet inhibited the inflammatory response by reducing the number of coccidia oocysts in feces and the content of C.perfringens in the cecum.Specifically,tannic acid reduced the serum levels of C reactive protein,myeloperoxidase,and specific IgY and ileal mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A levels in the ileal mucosa compared with those in the NE-infected birds.NE-infected birds fed diets supplemented with tannic acid also showed significantly increased relative Anaerocolumna,Thermoanaerobacterium,and Thermosinus abundance(P<0.05);their microbial composition and functional predictions were similar to those of the NC group.Conclusions Tannic acid in the diet alleviated NE by enhancing the intestinal barrier and absorption function.The recommended dietary tannic acid additive level is 500–750 mg/kg.Our study findings would be useful in reducing related economic losses in the broiler industry.

Pretreatment with probiotics Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 11181 attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium-induced gut injury through modulating intestinal microbiome and immune responses with barrier function in broiler chickens

Background:Preventing Salmonella infection and colonization in young birds is key to improving poultry gut health and reducing Salmonella contamination of poultry products and decreasing salmonellosis for human consumption(poultry meat and eggs).Probiotics can improve poultry health.The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of a probiotics,Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 11181(E.faecium NCIMB 11181)on the intestinal mucosal immune responses,microbiome and barrier function in the presence or absence of Salmonella Typhimurium(S.Typh-imurium,ST)infection.Methods:Two hundred and forty 1-day-old Salmonella-free male broiler chickens(Arbor Acres AA+)were randomly allocated to four groups with 6 replicate cages of 10 birds each.The four experimental groups were follows:(1)nega-tive control(NC),(2)S.Typhimurium,challenged positive control(PC),(3)the E.faecium NCIMB 11181-treated group(EF),(4)the E.faecium NCIMB 11181-treated and S.Typhimurium-challenged group(PEF).Results:Results indicated that,although continuous feeding E.faecium NCIMB 11181 did not obviously alleviate growth depression caused by S.Typhimurium challenge(P>0.05),E.faecium NCIMB 11181 addition significantly blocked Salmonella intestinal colonization and translocation(P<0.05).Moreover,supplemental E.faecium NCIMB 11181 to the infected chickens remarkably attenuated gut morphological structure damage and intestinal cell apoptosis induced by S.Typhimurium infection,as evidenced by increasing gut villous height and reducing intes-tinal TUNEL-positive cell numbers(P<0.05).Also,E.faecium NCIMB 11181 administration notably promoting the production of anti-Salmonella antibodies in intestinal mucosa and serum of the infected birds(P<0.05).Addition-ally,16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that E.faecium NCIMB 11181 supplementation ameliorated S.Typhimu-rium infection-induced gut microbial dysbiosis by enriching Lachnospiracease and Alistipes levels,and suppressing Barnesiella abundance.Predicted function analysis indicated that the functional genes of cecal microbiome involved in C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism;valine,leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis;glycerolipid metabolism and lysine biosynthesis were enriched in the infected chickens given E.faecium NCIMB 11181.While alanine,asparate and glutamate metabolism;MAPK signal pathway-yeast;ubiquine and other terpenoid-quinore biosynthesis,protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum;as well as glutathione metabolism were suppressed by E.faecium NCIMB 11181 addition.Conclusion:Collectively,our data suggested that dietary E.faecium NCIBM 11181 supplementation could ameliorate S.Typhimurium infection-induced gut injury in broiler chickens.Our findings also suggest that E.faecium NCIMB 11181 may serve as an effective non-antibiotic feed additive for improving gut health and controlling Salmonella infection in broiler chickens.