Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Zinc and Multi-Microbe Probiotic on Growth Traits and Alteration of Intestinal Architecture in Broiler

Dietary zinc supplements: beneficial health effects and application in food, medicine and animals

Zinc, a crucial trace element is vital for the growth and development of humans. It is frequently described as 'the flower of life' and 'the source of intelligence'. Zinc supplements play a pivotal role in addressing zinc deficiency by serving as a vital source of this essential micronutrients, effectively replenishing depleted zinc levels in the body. In this paper, we first described the biological behavior of zinc in the human body and briefly described the physiological phenomena associated with zinc levels. The benefits and drawbacks of various zinc supplement forms are then discussed, with emphasis on the most recent zinc supplement formulations. Finally, the application of zinc supplements in food, medicine, and animal husbandry is further summarized. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of combined in ovo administration of zinc glycine chelate (Zn-Gly) and a multistrain probiotic on the modulation of cellular and humoral immune responses in broiler chickens

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of in ovo administration of zinc glycine chelate (Zn-Gly), and a multistrain probiotic on the hatchability and selected parameters of the cellular and humoral immune response of chickens. The study was conducted on 1,400 fertilized eggs from commercial broiler breeders (Ross x Ross 708). Material for the study consisted of peripheral blood and spleens of chicks taken 12 h and 7 d after hatching. The results showed that both combined and single in ovo administration of the multistrain probiotic and zinc glycine chelate significantly reduced hatchability of chicks. The flow cytometry study showed that the highest percentage of CD4+ T cells, CD4+CD25+, and high expression of KUL01 in the serum were obtained in the group supplemented with probiotic and Zn-Gly both 12 h and 7 d after hatching. In birds supplemented with probiotic and zinc chelate, a high percentage of TCRγδ+ cells was found in serum and spleen 12 h after hatching and in serum after 7 d. The percentage of Bu-1A+ lymphocytes in serum and spleen 12 h and 7 d after hatching was the highest in the group supplemented with probiotic and Zn-Gly. The highest expression of CD79A was observed in the group supplemented only with zinc chelate. There were no significant differences in the percentage of CD4+ cells in the spleens of birds in the groups receiving the multistrain probiotic at 12 h after hatching, and after 7 d, the percentage of CD4+ T cells was lower in the experimental groups than in the control group. The percentage of CD8+ cells in the serum of birds after hatching was lower in the group supplemented with multistrain probiotic and Zn-Gly than in the control group, but reached the highest value on d 7 after hatching. The obtained results confirm the strong effect of the combined administration of a multistrain probiotic and Zn-Gly chelate on lymphocyte proliferation and stimulation of cellular immune mechanisms in birds.

Boron enhances adaptive responses and biological performance via hormetic mechanisms

Boron is shown in the present review to induce hormetic dose responses in a broad range of biological models, organ systems and endpoints. Of particular importance is that numerous hormetic findings have been reported with whole animal studies, with extensive dose response evaluations with the optimal dosing being similar across multiple organ systems. These findings appear to be underappreciated and suggest that boron may have clinically significant systemic effects beyond that of its putative and more subtle essentiality functions. The re-exploration of boron's bioactivity as seen through hormetic mechanisms may also underscore the value of this approach to the assessment of micronutrient effects in human health and disease.

Enhancing egg production and quality by the supplementation of probiotic strains (Clostridium and Brevibacillus) via improved amino acid digestibility, intestinal health, immune response, and antioxidant activity

This study focused on evaluating the influence of Clostridium butyricum and Brevibacillus strains on egg production, egg quality, immune response and antioxidant function, apparent fecal amino acid digestibility, and jejunal morphology when supplemented as probiotics in the diets of laying hens in the peak phase. A total of 288 healthy 30-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were arbitrarily assigned to four dietary groups, which included control diet and control diet supplemented with 0.02% C. butyricum zlc-17, C. butyricum lwc-13, or Brevibacillus zlb-z1, for 84 days. The results showed that dietary C. butyricum and Brevibacillus sp. exerted a positively significant influence (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the control group on the performance, egg quality, and physiological response of the birds. The diets could reduce mortality rate and enhance (P ≤ 0.05) egg weight and egg mass, egg production rate, and feed efficiency. Further analysis suggested that the probiotic strains can enhance (P ≤ 0.05) eggshell quality, Haugh unit, thick albumen content, and albumen height. Also, probiotics enhanced (P ≤ 0.05) the antioxidant status via increased antioxidant enzymes and jejunal morphology as evidenced by increased villi surface area (VSA), the ratio of villi height to crypt depth, villi width, and villi height, and a significant reduction in crypt depth. Besides, nutrient absorption and retention were enhanced, as apparent fecal amino acid digestibility of key essential amino acids was substantially improved in the diet-based group. The concentrations of immunoglobulin M and A (IgM and IgA) increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in the probiotics group and the same effect was notable for complement proteins (C3) and immune organ (Spleen). Conclusively, the supplementation of Clostridium butyricum zlc-17 in comparison to Clostridium butyricum lwc-13 and Brevibacillus zlb-z1 strains significantly (P ≤ 0.05) promoted the antioxidant status, modulated the intestinal structure, enhanced amino acid digestibility, and regulated the immunity index of the laying hens, which finally improves the laying performance and egg quality of the laying hens.

Effects of compound probiotics on intestinal barrier function and caecum microbiota composition of broilers

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms existing in nature and animals and can be used in livestock and poultry breeding. Here, 240 1-day-old Arbor Acre (AA) broilers were used to study the effects of compound probiotics (CP) on antioxidant capacity, intestinal barrier function and cecum microorganisms. 2‰, 3‰ and 4‰ CP were added to the basal diet and fed to broilers for 60d. Blood, jejunum, cecum and cecum contents of broilers on day 60 were collected for jejunum histopathological observation, assessment of oxidative stress status and caecum microbiota composition. Additionally, the mRNA levels of intestinal barrier function were also analyzed. The results showed that CP significantly improved the growth performance of broilers in 1-30 days (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). 3‰ CP could prominently enhance the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (P < 0.01). Moreover, CP supplementation resulted in a significant elevation in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P < 0.01), accompanied by a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) contents (P < 0.01) in serum. Additionally, Dietary CP supplementation increased the mRNA levels of zona occludens 1 (ZO-1), Claudin -1 and Occlodin in the jejunum of broilers (P < 0.01). 3‰ CP observably increased the abundance of the genus Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Phascolarctobacterium (P < 0.01), and significantly decreased the abundance of the genus Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 (P < 0.05), together with regulations on several genes that are responsible for signaling pathways involved in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism and endocrine and metabolic diseases. Taken together, the supplementation of CP could reduce oxidative stress level, increase the mRNA expression levels of tight junction (TJ) related genes, and the colonization of beneficial bacteria in the cecum, as well as improve intestinal health, which has a promoting effect on the growth performance in broilers.

Effect of Supplemental Zinc on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Jejunum Architecture, and Immune Response in Broiler chickens Fed Wheat-Soy Diets

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary zinc (Zn) levels on growth performance, carcass characteristic, nutrient digestibility, jejunum architecture and immune responses in broiler chickens fed wheat-soy diets. In addition the Zn requirement to optimize responses were estimated through regression models. A total, of 250 day-old male Ross-308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to a completely randomized design experiment with five dietary treatments of five replicates of 10 birds each. Birds were fed diets containing 30, 70, 110, 150, and 190 mg/kg Zn from 1 to 35 days of age. A Zn level of 70 mg/kg diet was adequate to acquire typical growth performance, the nutrient digestibility, and carcass yield. First antibody titres response to sheep red blood cell inoculation, cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity elicited by phytohemagglutinin-P intradermal injection increased linearly by the increase in dietary Zn level. The Zn requirement estimated by the quadratic and linear broken-line models was varied between 63-70 mg/kg to optimize growth performance criteria. It is concluded the basal Zn concentration in wheat-soy diet is inadequate to fulfill the broiler chickens genetic potential in growth and a minimum of 70 mg/kg dietary Zn concentration is suggested to optimize broiler chickens performance.

Tomato pomace waste as safe feed additive for poultry health and production – a review

Tomato cultivation and industrial processing produce a considerable amount of tomato pomace, peels, and seeds, which are difficult to handle. These by-products contain a variety of minerals and bioactive substances, and may thus be further valorized, generating additional revenue for processing plants while also decreasing environmental issues caused by their buildup. The inclusion of tomato pomace in poultry feed has been shown to produce promising effects in poultry growth and health, however the results are largely inconsistent. Literature has documented improvement in growth, egg production and quality, immunological and antioxidant effects in poultry. This review has complied the impacts of tomato pomace on the growth and health indices of poultry.

Perspective, Opportunities and Challenges in Using Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) in Poultry Health and Production as an Eco-Friendly Alternative to Antibiotics: A Review

Following the European Union’s restriction on antibiotic growth promoters, research on enhancing gut health has been accelerated. As the poultry industry is facing issues that were previously managed by antimicrobial growth promoters, the hunt for the best remedies continues to find suitable alternatives. Simultaneously, social pressure is mounting to reduce the usage of antibiotics and replace them with other feed additives. Consumers believe a number of accessible options to be safe, with phytogenics playing a crucial role. This review describes how the use of fennel seeds could be beneficial for poultry. An overview of the broad chemical diversity of fennel is presented together with their physicochemical and biological properties. According to investigations, fennel seeds have a variety of biological effects in birds, including improved performance, higher immune cell proliferation, reduced oxidative stress, and boosted antibody titers against infectious diseases. The efficacy of poultry outcomes is determined by the stage and age of the plants, the extraction process, the geographical location, the chicken species, management techniques, and the concentrations administered. The present review focuses on the effects of fennel seeds as a feed additive on poultry growth, carcass quality, blood biochemistry, antioxidant activity, immunity, and microbiological aspects.

Effects of zinc and Bacillus subtilis on the reproductive performance, egg quality, nutrient digestion, intestinal morphology, and serum antioxidant capacity of geese breeders

The effects of zinc (Zn) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) on reproductive performance, egg quality, nutrient digestion, intestine morphology, and antioxidant capacity were explored in geese breeders. Geese breeders (n = 120, 46-wk of age) were randomly assigned into 6 groups with 4 replicates of 5 birds each (1 male and 4 female). Breeders were fed diets with 2 levels of B. subtilis (2.5 × 10⁹ and 5 × 10⁹ CFU/kg) crossed with three levels of Zn (25, 45, and 65 mg/kg) for duration of 10-wk. The results showed that the egg laying rate (P < 0.05), fertility rate (P < 0.01), hatchability rate (P < 0.05), yolk color (P < 0.05), and the retentions of crude protein (P < 0.05), ether extract (P < 0.05) and phosphorus of geese breeders were improved by dietary supplementation of 5 × 10⁹ CFU/kg B. subtilis and 25 mg or 45 mg/kg Zn. The serum T-SOD (P < 0.05) was increased by 45 mg/kg Zn supplementation. The serum T-AOC (P < 0.05) and retention of Zn (P < 0.05) were increased by 5 × 10⁹ CFU/kg B. subtilis supplementation. The birds fed with 5 × 10⁹ CFU/kg B. subtilis and 25 mg or 45 mg/kg Zn showed improved villus length (P < 0.01) and villus length/ crypt depth (P < 0.01) in both the jejunum and ileum. In conclusion, the combination of B. subtilis and Zn may have synergistic effects on these parameters, and dietary inclusion of 5 × 10⁹ CFU/kg B. subtilis and 45 mg/kg Zn is recommended for improving the reproductive performance of geese breeders.

Potential Applications of Moringa oleifera in Poultry Health and Production as Alternative to Antibiotics: A Review

Because of developing bacterial resistance and increased public awareness of health and food safety problems, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in the chicken industry has been outlawed. This problem has spurred the poultry industry and sector to explore for safe antibiotic alternatives and to focus on developing better long-term feed management solutions in order to improve chicken health and growth. As a result, phytogenics have developed as natural antibiotic alternatives, with a lot of potential in the poultry industry. Moringa oleifera has gotten a lot of attention from researchers in the recent past as a natural product with a lot of health advantages for poultry. Moringa is known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic properties, as well as its capacity to activate digestive enzymes in the stomach, owing to the presence of hundreds of essential ingredients. The potential influence of M. oleifera as a natural feed supplement on overall gut health, nutritional digestibility, blood biochemical profile, antioxidant benefits, antibacterial potential, and immunological response is emphasized in this review.

Gut Microbiota as a Mediator of Essential and Toxic Effects of Zinc in the Intestines and Other Tissues

The objective of the present study was to review the existing data on the association between Zn status and characteristics of gut microbiota in various organisms and the potential role of Zn-induced microbiota in modulating systemic effects. The existing data demonstrate a tight relationship between Zn metabolism and gut microbiota as demonstrated in Zn deficiency, supplementation, and toxicity studies. Generally, Zn was found to be a significant factor for gut bacteria biodiversity. The effects of physiological and nutritional Zn doses also result in improved gut wall integrity, thus contributing to reduced translocation of bacteria and gut microbiome metabolites into the systemic circulation. In contrast, Zn overexposure induced substantial alterations in gut microbiota. In parallel with intestinal effects, systemic effects of Zn-induced gut microbiota modulation may include systemic inflammation and acute pancreatitis, autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as fetal alcohol syndrome and obesity. In view of both Zn and gut microbiota, as well as their interaction in the regulation of the physiological functions of the host organism, addressing these targets through the use of Zn-enriched probiotics may be considered an effective strategy for health management.

Positive Influence of a Probiotic Mixture on the Intestinal Morphology and Microbiota of Farmed Guinea Fowls (Numida meleagris)

To understand the effectiveness of a probiotic mixture on intestinal morphology, mucus layer composition, and cecal microbiota diversity, 40 10-day-old Guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) were assigned to two groups: the control group (C), receiving drinking water, and the treated group (P), receiving water plus a commercial multi-strain probiotic (Slab51®, 2 × 10¹¹ CFU/L). Birds were slaughtered after 4 months, and the intestines were collected. Samples from the duodenum, ileum, and cecum were processed for morphological and morphometric studies, and conventional glycohistochemistry. Cecal samples were also used to assess the microbiota by 16S metataxonomic approach. Group P showed significant increase in the villus height (p < 0.001 in the duodenum and p < 0.05 in the ileum and cecum), villus width (p < 0.05 in all investigated tracts), depth of crypts (p < 0.001 in the duodenum and cecum; p < 0.05 in the ileum), and goblet cells per villus (p < 0.001 in all investigated tracts) compared with group C. Cecal microbiota of the birds varied considerably and comparing the relative abundance of the main observational taxonomic units (OTUs), a positive enrichment of several beneficial taxa, such as Oscillospira, Eubacterium, Prevotella, and members of the Ruminococcaceae, was observed. The enrichment of those taxa can improve microbiota stability and resilience facing environmental stresses, enhancing its resistance against invading pathogens. Ruminococcaceae, which represent the most important taxon in both groups, and Prevotella have a key role in the gut physiology due to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are a vital energy source for enterocytes, improve glucose metabolism, and exert an overall anti-inflammatory effect. Probiotic administration enriches the presence of Coprococcus, Oscillospira, and Eubacterium taxa that produce butyrate, which exerts a beneficial effect on growth performance, structure of villi, and pathogen control and has anti-inflammatory properties too. This study indicates that Slab51® supplementation positively affects the morphology and microbiota diversity of the guinea fowl intestine.

Effects of zinc dosage and particle size on gut morphology, tight junctions and TNF-α expression in broiler breeder hens

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of different amounts and particle size of zinc oxide (ZnO) on villus height (VH), villus width (VW), crypt depth (CD) and VH to CD ratio (VH: CD), and expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin (OC) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in broiler breeders. A total of 350 (Ross 308) broiler breeder hens of 54 weeks randomly assigned to seven treatments, included control basal diet (C) without added Zn, C+ 100, and 130 mg Zn per kg of diet from Large (L) (100-1000 nm) and Small (S) (<100 nm) particle size ZnO (LZnO100 and 130; SZnO100 and 130), C and SZnO100 challenged with lipopolysaccharide (C+LPS and SZnO100+LPS). Each diet was fed to five replicates consisting of ten birds each. The middle part of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum was used for morphological assessments. To assess the gene expression of ZO-1, OC and TNF-α in the jejunum samples were excised. Results showed that the supplementing 130 ppm SZnO increased VH:CD in the duodenum (p < 0.05). VW in the duodenum and all the evaluated morphometric indices in jejunum and ileum were not affected by the dietary treatment (p > 0.05). ZO-1 mRNA abundance in C+LPS group compared to SZnO100+LPS group was significantly decreased and increased by LPS and SZnO100 respectively. The SZnO-100 increased OC gene expression in compare to C+LPS group. The expression of TNF-α in C+LPS treatment was higher than other groups (p < 0.05). The lowest and the highest litter moisture and foot-pad dermatitis (FPD) were observed in LZnO-130 and C treatments respectively (p < 0.05). Improving the physical properties of ZnO affect on VH:CD. Broiler breeder diet with ZnO enhance ZO-1, OC and mitigate TNF-α gene expression in jejunum maintenance of gut health in broiler breeders.

Probiotic Supplementation and Micronutrient Status in Healthy Subjects: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

Micronutrient deficiencies are a worldwide public health concern. Emerging evidence supports the ability of probiotics to enhance micronutrient status, which could aid in the prevention of non-communicable disease-associated malnutrition. This systematic review evaluated evidence of the efficacy of probiotic supplementation to improve micronutrient status in healthy subjects. The authors searched for published English language peer-reviewed journal articles in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases from inception to July 2020 using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool (RoB)2 and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool (ROBINS-I tool). Fourteen original studies out of 2790 met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that, despite varying degrees of efficacy, the intake of certain probiotics in healthy subjects was associated with a positive impact on the status of certain micronutrients (vitamin B12, calcium, folate, iron and zinc). A limitation was that studies were widely heterogeneous in terms of participant age, probiotic strain, species, dosage, intervention duration, and form of administration. Additional clinical trials are warranted to determine the most effective strains of probiotics, doses and durations of interventions.

Effect of Dietary Bacillus coagulans and Different Forms of Zinc on Performance, Intestinal Microbiota, Carcass and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

A total of 288-day-old male broilers were allocated to six dietary treatments to evaluate the effects of zinc source and Bacillus coagulans supplements and their interaction on growth, intestinal microbial population, carcass traits and meat quality in broiler chickens. Three levels of dietary supplemental Zn source (100 mg/kg of DM diet zinc oxide, 25 and 50 mg/kg of diet zinc oxide nanoparticles (Zn-nan)) and two levels of B. coagulans (0 and 100 mg/kg of diet) were combined as a completely randomised design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. B. coagulans increased the body weight gain, body weight and feed conversion ratio. The lactic acid producing bactereia of ileal were increased by B. coagulans supplementation, and its coliform count was decreased by Zn-nan in a dose-dependent manner. The B. coagulans increased the relative weights of legs and proventriculus and reduced weights of livers, abdominal fat and meat thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value. Likewise, dietary B. coagulans increased pH, yellowness and lightness values of leg muscles. Birds fed Zn-nan50 had lower liver weight, TBA and cooking loss and higher yellowness values than chicks fed ZnO-100. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation with B. coagulans improved broiler performance, microbial population and meat quality. The Zn-nan in lower dose could be a good substitution in mineral premix instead of zinc oxide. In addition, the Zn-nan improved intestinal microbial population, carcass characteristics and oxidative stability of chicken meat; however, the combination of two levels of Zn-nan with B. coagulans did not vary the measured parameters.

Multi-Strain Probiotics: Synergy among Isolates Enhances Biological Activities

The use of probiotics for health benefits is becoming popular because of the quest for safer products with protective and therapeutic effects against diseases and infectious agents. The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance among pathogens had prompted restrictions over the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics for prophylaxis and growth promotion, especially in animal husbandry. While single-strain probiotics are beneficial to health, multi-strain probiotics might be more helpful because of synergy and additive effects among the individual isolates. This article documents the mechanisms by which multi-strain probiotics exert their effects in managing infectious and non-infectious diseases, inhibiting antibiotic-resistant pathogens and health improvement. The administration of multi-strain probiotics was revealed to effectively alleviate bowel tract conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inhibition of pathogens and modulation of the immune system and gut microbiota. Finally, while most of the current research focuses on comparing the effects of multi-strain and single-strain probiotics, there is a dearth of information on the molecular mechanisms of synergy among multi-strain probiotics isolates. This forms a basis for future research in the development of multi-strain probiotics for enhanced health benefits.

Modulation of Morphology and Glycan Composition of Mucins in Farmed Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) Intestine by the Multi-Strain Probiotic Slab51®

Probiotics have become highly recognized as supplements for poultry.Since gut health can be considered synonymous withanimal health, the effects of probiotic Slab51® on the morphology and the glycan composition of guineafowlintestine were examined. The probiotics were added in drinking water (2 × 1011 UFC/L) throughout the grow-out cycle.Birds were individually weighed andslaughtered after four months. Samples from the duodenum, ileum and caecum were collected and processed for morphological, morphometric, conventional and lectin glycohistochemical studies.The results were analyzed for statistical significance by Student's t test. Compared with control samples, probiotic group revealed (1) significant increase in villus height (p < 0.001 in duodenum and ileum; p < 0.05 in caecum), crypt depth (p < 0.001 in duodenum and caecum; p < 0.05 in ileum) and goblet cells (GCs) per villus (p < 0.001) in all investigated tracts; (2) increase in galactoseβl,3N-acetylgalacyosamine(Galβl,3GalNAc)terminating O-glycans and αl,2-fucosylated glycans secretory GCs in the duodenum; (3) increase in α2,6-sialoglycans and high-mannose N-linked glycans secretory GCs but reduction in GCs-secreting sulfoglycans in the ileum; (4) increase in Galβl,3GalNAc and high-mannose N-linked glycans secretory GCs and decrease in GCs-producing sulfomucins in the caecum; (5) increase in the numbers of crypt cells containing sulfate and non-sulfated acidic glycans. Overall, dietary Slab51® induces morphological and region-specific changes in glycoprotein composition of guinea fowl intestine, promoting gut health.

Effect of Boron on Microstructure, Immune Function, Expression of Tight Junction Protein, Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis of Duodenum in Rats

Boron is an essential trace element for animals. Appropriate boron supplementation can produce beneficial effects on the animal body, while a high dose of boron has adverse and even toxic effects. Our aim was to investigate the impact of different doses of boron on the microstructure of duodenum in rats, expression of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and tight junction protein, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Eighty newly weaned clean Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were given distilled water supplemented with 0, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, and 640 mg/L of boron for 60 days. We found that supplementation of 40 and 80 mg/L boron could increase the height of duodenal villi and the crypt depth, the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and goblet cells, the expression of SIgA, Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in duodenum of rats; decrease expression of Caspase-3 mRNA and the number of Caspase-3-positive cells, but supplementation of 320 and 640 mg/L boron could have the opposite effect in these indexes. The results showed that supplemented with 40 and 80 mg/L of boron could improve the structure and function of duodenum, while supplemented with 320-640 mg/L had a significant inhibitory effect.

Effect of Bacillus cereus and Phytase on the Expression of Musculoskeletal Strength and Gut Health in Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

We conducted a 28-day trial to evaluate the influence of Bacillus cereus and phytase supplementation on the expression of musculoskeletal strength and intestinal histological features in Japanese quail. Two-hundred day-old quail chicks were divided into four groups with five replicates (n=10): the first group served as a control and was fed only a basal diet (BD); the second group was fed BD + 0.1% B. cereus; the third group was fed BD + 0.01% microbial phytase; and the fourth group was fed BD + 0.01% microbial phytase + 0.1% B. cereus. Compared to the control, individual and combined supplementation of probiotic and phytase increased (P<0.05) the tibial weight, length, outside diameter, and weight of bone ash, but decreased (P<0.05) the weight-to-length index. The water-holding capacity, fiber diameter, fiber cross-sectional area, number of fibers per unit area, fascicle diameter, and fascicle cross-sectional area increased significantly (P<0.05) in birds fed on the combination of phytase and B. cereus. The villus height, width, depth, height-to-crypt depth, and surface area increased significantly (P<0.05) in the B. cereus and phytase groups on an individual basis. The strength of the musculoskeletal system was fully expressed when B. cereus and phytase were given synergistically. However, the histological features of the intestines improved in birds fed on an individual basis.

Zinc source modulates zootechnical characteristics, intestinal features, humoral response, and paraoxonase (PON1) activity in broilers

The current experiment was performed to find the potential effect of inorganic and organic forms of zinc (Zn) on growth, intestinal histomorphology, immune response, and paraoxonase (PON1) activity in broiler. In this experiment, a total of 450 broiler chickens were assigned to four experimental and control groups. The birds received organic Zn at the rate of 50 mg/kg (OZ-50) and 60 mg/kg (OZ-60) or inorganic Zn at the rate of 50 mg/kg (IZ-50) and 60 mg/kg (IZ-60) for an experimental period of 30 days. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher feed consumption, body weight, feed conversion ratio, and production efficiency factor (PEF) were recorded in OZ-50. Similarly, antibody titer against infectious bronchitis (IB) and PON1 activity was higher (P < 0.05) in OZ-50 compared with the control group. In addition, significantly (P < 0.05) higher villus dimensions and goblet cell count were recorded for the group OZ-50 compared with other treatments. It was concluded that the organic form of Zn was superior in improving the growth, histological features of intestines, humoral response, and PON1 activity in broiler.

Ameliorative Effect of Bacillus subtilis on Growth Performance and Intestinal Architecture in Broiler Infected with Salmonella

Simple Summary

Salmonellosis is a dangerous disease in broilers that causes huge economic losses. We assumed that instead of antibiotics, a Bacillus-based probiotic may serve as an alternative to alleviate the negative effects of Salmonella infection. A control group with no feed additive, a positive control supplemented with a standard antibiotic and two groups that were supplemented with different strains and levels of Bacillus subtilis were the experimental animals of the present study. It was revealed that supplementation of probiotic bacteria induced similar results in terms of feed intake, body weight gain and feed efficiency in comparison with the group treated with antibiotics. In addition, the dimensions of intestinal villi were also improved in the probiotic-treated birds. As concluded from the results of the present study, probiotic bacteria could be used as an alternative to antibiotics against Salmonella in broilers.

Abstract

A total of 600 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) confirmed for the absence of Salmonella were randomly allocated to five treatments each with 10 replicates: negative control (basal diet only); positive control (basal diet) + infected with Salmonella; T1, Salmonella infected + avilamycin; T2, Salmonella infected + Bacillus subtilis (ATCC PTA-6737; 2 × 10⁷ CFU/g) and T3, Salmonella infected + B. subtilis (DSM 172999; 1.2 × 10⁶ CFU/g). The results revealed that feed intake (FI) and body weight (BW) were significantly (p < 0.01) lower in T1 compared to T2. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in T2 and T3 compared to other treatments. Similarly, the performance efficiency factor (PEF) was also significantly (p < 0.01) higher in T2 and T3 compared to positive control. Villus height was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in T2 compared to all other treatments. However, villus width and surface area were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in T1. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with B. subtilis improved growth and intestinal health by reversing the negative effects of Salmonellosis.