Effects of supplemental levels of hesperetin and naringenin on egg quality, serum traits and antioxidant activity of laying hens

Impact of liposomal hesperetin in broilers: prospects for improving performance, antioxidant potential, immunity, and resistance against Listeria monocytogenes

Liposomal encapsulated phytogenics, such as liposomal hesperetin, are considered novel substitutes for antibiotics in the broiler industry owing to their improved nutritional and therapeutic properties. Therefore, our key goal was to investigate liposomal hesperetin impact on broiler growth performance, health, antioxidant status, tight junction proteins (TJP), and resistance against Listeria monocytogenes. Four broiler groups were fed 0, 150, 250, or 400 mg/kg of liposomal hesperetin-supplemented diets and experimentally infected with L. monocytogenes strain. Herein, liposomal hesperetin, especially at higher concentrations, augmented broilers FCR with upregulation of genes encoding TJP (occludin, JAM-2, MUC-2), and antioxidant attributes (GPX-1, SOD-1, CAT, HO-1, NQO1, COX2), which reflect enhancing health and welfare of broilers. Muscle antioxidant biomarkers were enhanced; meanwhile, muscle MDA, ROS, and H2O2 levels were reduced in response to 400 mg/kg of liposomal hesperetin. Liposomal hesperetin fortification reduced L. monocytogenes loads and expression levels of its virulence-related genes (flaA, hlyA, and ami). Remarkably, histopathological alterations in intestinal and brain tissues of L. monocytogenes-infected broilers were restored post-inclusion at higher levels of liposomal hesperetin, which reflects increase of the birds' resistance to L. monocytogenes infection. Transcription levels of genes encoding cytokines/chemokines (MyD88, AVBD6, CCL20, IL-1β, IL-18), and autophagy (Bcl-2, LC3, AMPK, AKT, CHOP, Bip, p62, XBP1) were ameliorated following dietary liposomal hesperetin fortification, which suggests enhancement of the birds' immunity and health. Collectively, our research recommends liposomal hesperetin application in broiler diets owing to its promoting impact on growth performance, antioxidant status, immunity, health, and welfare besides its antibacterial, and antivirulence characteristics to fight against L. monocytogenes.

Dietary supplementation with honeycomb extracts positively improved egg nutritional and flavor quality, serum antioxidant and immune functions of laying ducks

Introduction

Honeycomb is a traditional natural health medicine and has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antitumor activities. It is currently unclear whether honeycomb extract supplementation has positive effects on the intensive farming laying duck production. This study aims to evaluate the effects of honeycomb extracts on the laying performance, egg nutritional and flavor quality, serum biochemical indexes, and antioxidant and immune status in laying ducks.

Methods

A total of 672 healthy 28-week-old Shanma laying ducks with similar laying performance and body weight were randomly distributed into four dietary treatments with 6 replicates of 28 birds. The birds in each treatment were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0 (control group), 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 g/kg honeycomb extracts, respectively. Feed and water were provided ad libitum for 45 days. Laying performance, egg quality, egg nutrition and flavor quality, serum parameters were assessed.

Results

The results showed that compared with the control group, honeycomb extracts addition significantly increased the average daily feed intake but did not affect the other laying performance indexes, egg quality or serum biochemical indexes of laying ducks. Dietary supplementation with honeycomb extracts significantly increased crude protein content and decreased the contents of cholesterol and trimethylamine in eggs. Diets supplemented with 1.5 g/kg honeycomb extracts significantly improved egg total amino acids and flavor amino acids contents, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids composition and enhanced the serum antioxidant activity and immune functions of ducks.

Discussion

Duck eggs are rich in nutrients and a valuable source of high-quality food for human, while they are rarely consumed directly by consumers because of their stronger fishy odor and lower sensory quality. Many studies have showed that the influence of dietary supplementation on egg components. This study indicated that dietary supplementation with honeycomb extracts positively reduced the contents of egg cholesterol and trimethylamine, improve egg amino acids contents and fatty acid profiles, enhanced serum antioxidant and immune status of laying ducks. The recommended supplemental level of honeycomb extracts was 1.5 g/kg in the diet of laying ducks.

The efficacy of polyphenols as an antioxidant agent: An updated review

Global production of the two major poultry products, meat and eggs, has increased quickly. This, in turn, indicates both the relatively low cost and the customers' desire for these secure and high-quality products. Natural feed additives have become increasingly popular to preserve and enhance the health and productivity of poultry and livestock. We consume a lot of polyphenols, which are a kind of micronutrient. These are phytochemicals with positive effects on cardiovascular, cognitive, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, anti-tumor, anti-pathogen, a catalyst for growth, and immunomodulating functions, among extra health advantages. Furthermore, high quantities of polyphenols have unknown and occasionally unfavorable impacts on the digestive tract health, nutrient assimilation, the activity of digestive enzymes, vitamin and mineral assimilation, the performance of the laying hens, and the quality of the eggs. This review clarifies the numerous sources, categories, biological functions, potential limitations on usage, and effects of polyphenols on poultry performance, egg composition, exterior and interior quality traits.

Ameliorative avian gut environment and bird productivity through the application of safe antibiotics alternatives: a comprehensive review

The avian digestive tract is an important system for converting ingested food into the nutrients their bodies need for maintenance, growth, and reproduction (meat, table eggs, and fertile eggs). Therefore, preserving digestive system integrity is crucial to bird health and productivity. As an alternative to antibiotics, the world has recently turned to the use of natural products to enhance avian development, intestinal health, and production. Therefore, the primary goal of this review is to explain the various characteristics of the avian digestive tract and how to enhance its performance with natural, safe feed additives such as exogenous enzymes, organic acids, photogenic products, amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and herbal extracts. In conclusion, the composition of the gut microbiome can be influenced by a number of circumstances, and this has important consequences for the health and productivity of birds. To better understand the connection between pathogens, the variety of therapies available, and the microbiome of the gut, additional research needs to be carried out.

Effects of Fermented Bamboo Shoot Processing Waste on Growth Performance, Serum Parameters, and Gut Microbiota of Weaned Piglets

Gut microbiota (GM) plays a vital role in the nutrition and metabolism of weaned piglets. Some feed additives can be used to adjust the composition of GM to improve the health of weaned piglets. In this study, we investigated the effects of adding fermented bamboo shoot processing waste (FBSPW) to diet on growth performance, serum parameters, and GM of weaned piglets. Seventy-two piglets were divided into four groups and were fed diets containing 0% (control), 4% (group A), 8% (group B), and 12% (group C) FBSPW for 50 days. We found that the addition of FBSPW significantly decreased the average daily feed intake, serum triglyceride content, and urea nitrogen of weaned piglets compared to the control. The cecum and cecal microbiota of weaned piglets fed the basal diet with 12% FBSPW were significantly different compared to the control. A basal diet with 12% FBSPW significantly reduced the taxon feature number, and the relative abundance of Tenericutes in the cecum and cecal microbiota of weaned piglets compared with the control. The addition of 12% FBSPW to weaned piglet feed could improve their nitrogen and lipid metabolisms and have beneficial effects on GM.

Impacts of polyphenols on laying hens' productivity and egg quality: A review

There has been a rapid increase in the world's output of main poultry products (meat and eggs). This reflects customer desire for these high-quality and safe products and the comparatively low price. Recently, natural feed additives, plants and products have been increasingly popular in the poultry and livestock industries to maintain and improve their health and production. Polyphenols are a type of micronutrient that is plentiful in our diet. They are phytochemicals that have health benefits, notably cardiovascular, cognitive function, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antistress, anti-tumour, anti-pathogen, detoxification, growth-promoting and immunomodulating activities. On the other hand, excessive polyphenol levels have an unclear and sometimes negative impact on gastrointestinal tract health, nutrient digestion, digestive enzyme activity, vitamin, mineral absorption, laying hens performance and egg quality. As a result, this review illuminated polyphenols' various sources, classifications, biological activities, potential usage restrictions and effects on poultry, layer productivity and egg external and internal quality.

Dietary Flavonoids as Modulators of Lipid Metabolism in Poultry

Flavonoids, naturally-occurring compounds with multiple phenolic structures, are the most widely distributed phytochemicals in the plant kingdom, and are mainly found in vegetables, fruits, grains, roots, herbs, and tea and red wine products. Flavonoids have health-promoting effects and are indispensable compounds in nutritional and pharmaceutical (i.e., nutraceutical) applications. Among the demonstrated bioactive effects of flavonoids are anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial in a range of research models. Through dietary formulation strategies, numerous flavonoids provide the ability to support bird health while improving the nutritional quality of poultry meat and eggs by changing the profile of fatty acids and reducing cholesterol content. A number of such compounds have been shown to inhibit adipogenesis, and promote lipolysis and apoptosis in adipose tissue cells, and thereby have the potential to affect fat accretion in poultry at various ages and stages of production. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to animal health by preventing free radical damage in tissues and ameliorating inflammation in adipose tissue, which are concerns in broiler breeders and laying hens. In this review, we summarize the progress in understanding the effects of dietary flavonoids on lipid metabolism and fat deposition in poultry, and discuss the associated physiological mechanisms.

Fatty acid compositions and quality of egg and performance in laying quails fed diet with hesperidin

This study investigates the effects of hesperidin on eggs' internal and external quality parameters, the fatty acid in egg yolk, and the nutrient content adding different amounts of hesperidin to the quail diets. A total of 150 Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were divided into three groups (0% hesperidin group (n = 5 × 10) (control group; HES0), 0.1% hesperidin group (HES1), and 0.2% hesperidin group (HES2)) with five replicates. It has been found in the analysis that hesperidin did not affect the weight and thickness of the shell from the external quality parameters of the egg (P > 0.05), but in terms of the HES1 and HES2 groups, the weight of the egg increased compared to the HES0 group, while the fracture resistance of the shell decreased (P < 0.05). Eggs' internal quality parameters have shown that the egg white width (P < 0.05) and the yolk diameter (P < 0.01) increased in the HES1 and HES2 groups, and the length of white decreased (P < 0.05). It has been found that n-6 (linoleic acid) and n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid) fatty acid values increased significantly according to hesperidin dosage (P < 0.05) from the parameters of the composition of fatty acids of the eggs. As a result, it is believed that hesperidin added to the diet has a generally positive effect on the fatty acid composition and internal and external quality parameters of the eggs and would be appropriate to use it as a feed additive.

Effect of naringenin on the pharmacokinetics of metoprolol succinate in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of naringenin (4,5,7-trihydroxy flavonone) on the pharmacokinetics of metoprolol, a substrate of Cytochrome P-450 3A4 (CYP3A4), CYP2C9, and CYP2D6 in rats.Male Wistar rats were treated orally with metoprolol (30 mg/kg) alone and in combination with naringenin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) once daily for 15 consecutive days.The plasma concentrations of metoprolol were determined using Reverse Phase-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) on the 1st day in single-dose pharmacokinetic (PK) study (SDS) and on the 15th day in multiple dosing PK studies (MDS).Compared to the metoprolol control group, the C_max, AUC, and half-life (T_1/2) of metoprolol increased in rats pre-treated with naringenin, while there was no significant change in T_max. There is a significant decrease in clearance and volume of distribution.The present study results revealed that naringenin significantly enhanced the C_max, AUC, MRT, t_1/2, and decreased the clearance of metoprolol possibly through the inhibition of CYP enzymes involved in the metabolism of metoprolol.

Royal Jelly Improves the Morphology of the Reproductive Tract, Internal Egg Quality, and Blood Biochemical Parameters in Laying Hens at the Late Stage of Production

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of royal jelly (RJ) on the morphology of the reproductive tract, egg production, and blood biochemical indices of aged laying hens. In total, 120 Lohman Brown laying hens at week 58 of age were randomly assigned into three equal groups. Pure RJ was dissolved in distilled water and injected subcutaneously as follows: the first treatment (R₁; 100 mg RJ kg^-1); the second treatment (R₂; 200 mg RJ kg^-1); the control treatment (CON; 1 mL distilled water). Both RJ-treated groups exhibited a significantly higher number of large yellow follicles (LYFs), small yellow follicles (SYFs), and large white follicles (LWFs) (p ˂ 0.05). Furthermore, RJ treatment significantly increased the diameter and weight of the F1 follicles. However, only the R2 group exhibited significantly greater ovary and uterus weights. RJ treatment did not affect the percentage of oviduct and weight of ovarian stroma. In addition, RJ increased the hen-day egg production rate compared with the CON group; however, only the R₂ group showed greater egg weight (p = 0.032). RJ treatment also improved the albumen height, Haugh units, and yolk index. The administration of RJ significantly decreased the serum glucose, but increased the levels of serum albumen and cholesterol. In conclusion, RJ treatment may improve the morphology of the reproductive tract (including follicular growth and oviduct morphology), egg production rate, and internal egg quality traits of aged laying hens.

Hesperidin and Naringin Improve Broiler Meat Fatty Acid Profile and Modulate the Expression of Genes Involved in Fatty Acid β-oxidation and Antioxidant Defense in a Dose Dependent Manner

The beneficial properties of the flavanones hesperidin and naringin as feed additives in poultry have lately been under investigation. In broilers, both flavanones have been shown to exhibit antioxidant properties while their individual effects on fatty acid (FA) composition and the underlying molecular mechanisms of their activity have not been explored. Here, we studied their effects on broiler meats' FA profiles and on the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory function. The experimental design comprised six treatment groups of broilers, each supplemented from day 11 until slaughter at 42 days with hesperidin, naringin or vitamin E, as follows: the E1 group received 0.75 g of hesperidin per kg of feed, E2 received 1.5 g hesperidin/kg feed, N1 received 0.75 g naringin/kg feed, N2 received 1.5 g naringin/kg feed, vitamin E (VE) received 0.2 g a-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed, and the control group was not provided with a supplemented feed. The VE treatment group served as a positive control for antioxidant activity. An analysis of the FA profiles of the abdominal adipose tissue (fat pad), major pectoralis (breast) and biceps femoris (thigh) muscles showed that both hesperidin and naringin had significant effects on saturated FA (SFA), polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and omega n-6 content. Both compounds reduced SFA and increased PUFA and n-6 content, as well as reducing the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices in the breast muscle and fat pad. The effects on the thigh muscle were limited. An analysis of gene expression in the liver revealed that naringin significantly increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) and glutathione disulfide reductase (GSR) expression. In the breast muscle, both hesperidin and naringin increased fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression and hesperidin increased the expression of adiponectin. In brief, both hesperidin and naringin supplementation beneficially affected FA profiles in the breast meat and fat pad of broiler chicken. These effects could be attributed to an increase in FA β-oxidation since the increased expression of related genes (PPARα and ACOX1) was observed in the liver. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of hesperidin and naringin previously observed in the meat of broilers could be attributed, at least partly, to the regulation of antioxidant defense genes, as evidenced by the increased GSR expression in response to naringin supplementation.

Effects of dietary alfalfa protein concentrate on lipid metabolism and antioxidative status of serum and composition and fatty acid profile and antioxidative status and dietetic value of muscles in broilers

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of addition of alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) at the dose of 15 g or 30 g per 1 kg on the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, dietary value, and antioxidant status in muscles and serum of Ross 308 chickens. The experiment involved 150 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens allocated into 3 groups in 5 replications (10 birds per pen). A 1-way system with 2 levels of APC, 15 g or 30 g per 1 kg of a complete diet, was used. Group C receiving a standard feed mixture without APC was the control. The addition of 15 and 30 g APC increased the CP content in the breast muscle and in the thigh muscle, and reduction in the cholesterol and fat level was noted. Higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids from the n-6 group was noted in the breast muscles of the 30-g APC-supplemented chickens. The thigh muscles with APC were characterized by more favorable values of the atherogenic index, thrombotic index, and hypocholesterol-to-hypercholesterol ratio.The supplementation with 30 g APC reduced the cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels, increased the high-density lipoprotein level, and decreased the low-density lipoprotein level and improved the antioxidant parameters in plasma (increase in superoxide dismutase and in glutathione peroxidase and reduction of malondialdehyde), compared with group C. The results of this study indicate that the supplementation with 30 g APC improved the metabolic functions of the organism, meat resistance to oxidative processes, and the composition and profile of fatty acids. Therefore, APC can be a potential alternative to synthetic feed additives and soya protein in production of healthier poultry meat.

The role of polyphenols in poultry nutrition

In the last two decades, poultry and animal industries became increasingly interested in using plant-based feed supplements, herbs and their derivatives to retain or enhance their health and productivity. These health benefits for the host mainly attributed to the secondary plant metabolites, namely polyphenols. Polyphenols are renowned for their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, despite these advantages of polyphenols, they have been characterized by poor absorption in the gut and low concentration in target cells that compromise their role as effective antioxidants. The low bioavailability of polyphenols necessitates the need for further investigations to harness their full potential in poultry farms. This review is existing evidence about the bioavailability of polyphenols and their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, detoxification properties and their impacts on poultry performance.

Production performances and antioxidant activities of laying hens fed Aspergillus oryzae and phytase co-fermented wheat bran

OBJECTIVE

Wheat bran (WB) was co-fermented with Aspergillus oryzae and phytase (Phy) to determine whether co-fermentation improve WB phosphorus and fiber utilization in Isa-brown layers.

METHODS

A total of 112 Isa brown layer were randomly divided into 7 treatments with 8 replicates per a treatment and 2 hens per a replicate. The treatments included basal diet (control), basal diet supplemented with 250 unit/kg Phy (control+Phy), diet with 10% WB (10% WB), diet with 5% WB and 250 unit/kg Phy (5% WB+Phy) diet with 10% WB and 250 unit/kg Phy (10% WB+Phy), diet with 5% fermented WB supplemented with molasses and phy (PCFWH) and 125 unit/kg Phy (5% PCFWH), and diet with 10% PCFWH (10% PCFWH). The intestinal microbial population, intestinal morphology, serum antioxidant enzyme activities, and excreta phosphorus content were assessed.

RESULTS

In PCFWH, spore counts, protease activity, xylanase activity, and ferulic acid were 8.50 log/g dry matter (DM), 190 unit/g DM, 120 unit/g DM, and 127 μg/g, respectively. Xylobiose and xylotriose were released in PCFWH, while they were not detectable in WB. Antioxidant capacity was also enhanced in PCFWH compared to WB. The 10% WB+Phy and 10% PCFWH groups produced higher egg mass, but hens fed 5% WB+Phy had the lowest amount of feed intake. Eggs from 10% PCFWH had better eggshell weight, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness. Birds fed with 10% PCFWH also had higher serum superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Compare to control, 10% PCFWH significantly reduced excreta phosphorus content.

CONCLUSION

Diet inclusion of 10% PCFWH improved egg quality, antioxidant status, and excreta phosphorus content of laying hens.

Influence of citrus flavonoids on laying hen performance, inflammatory immune response, egg quality and yolk oxidative stability

1. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with natural flavonoids (naringin and hesperidin) on laying hens' performance, cellular immunity and egg quality parameters. 2. A total of 72 individually caged laying hens were allocated into 1 of 6 treatment groups: a control (C) group that was fed with a basal diet and groups that were offered the same diet further supplemented with hesperidin at 0.75 g/kg (E1), or 1.5 g/kg (E2), or naringin at 0.75 g/kg (N1), or 1.5 g/kg (N2) or α-tocopheryl acetate at 0.2 mg/kg (VE) for 67 d. 3. Supplementation with naringin or hesperidin did not affect the performance and egg quality (P > 0.05) apart from an improvement in the yolk colour that was more orange in naringin and hesperidin groups in comparison to the controls (P-linear < 0.05). Egg yolk and plasma cholesterol levels were not affected by citrus flavonoids (P-linear > 0.05). 4. Inflammatory immune response, measured by phytohaemagglutinin skin test (PHA), was suppressed in laying hens that were fed with either naringin (P-linear < 0.05) or hesperidin (P < 0.05). Egg yolk oxidative stability was improved from the 4th d after naringin or hesperidin supplementation. This beneficial effect was comparable to that of α-tocopheryl acetate and was observed in eggs that were stored for up to 120 d. 5. In conclusion, naringin and hesperidin may favourably prolong the shelf life of eggs, appear to possess anti-inflammatory properties and could improve the yolk colour without any side effects on the performance or egg quality traits.

Polyphenols and bioavailability: an update

Based on many cell culture, animal and human studies, it is well known that the most challenge issue for developing polyphenolics as chemoprevention or anti-diabtetic agents is the low oral bioavailability, which may be the major reason relating to its ambiguous therapeutic effects and large inter-individual variations in clinical trials. This review intends to highlight the unscientific evaluation on the basis of the published data regarding in vitro bioactivity of polyphenols, which may sometimes mislead the researchers and to conclude that: first, bio-accessibilities values obtained in the studies for polyphenols should be highly reconsidered in accordance with the abundant newly identified circulating and excreted metabolites, with a particular attention to colonic metabolic products which are obviously contributing much more than expected to their absorptions; second, it is phenolic metabolites, which are formed in the small intestine and hepatic cells,low molecular weight catabolic products of the colonic microflora to travel around the human body in the circulatory system or reach body tissues to elicit bioactive effects. It is concluded that better performed in vivo intervention and in vitro mechanistic studies are needed to fully understand how these molecules interact with human physiological and pathological processes.

Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Lipid-Related Transcript Expression and the Economics of Broiler Chickens Fed Different Levels of Rutin

Simple Summary

Poultry makes a substantial contribution to food security and nutrition. A growing human population and rising incomes have resulted in an increased demand for white meat. Poultry is the fastest growing animal production sector. Rutin, a natural growth and health promoter, was used at three levels for broiler feed (0.25, 0.5 or 1 g rutin/kg). Supplementing broiler diets with rutin, especially at 1 g/kg, has a variety of growth-promoting effects. It enhances antioxidant capacity and suppresses lipogenesis, thereby reducing fat deposition and serum lipid levels. The results demonstrate that the observed benefits can be achieved without compromising economic profits.

Abstract

The effects of rutin on growth performance, hematological and biochemical profiles, antioxidant capacity, economics and the relative expression of selected antioxidants and lipid-related genes were studied in broiler chickens over 42 days. A total of 200 one-day-old female Ross-308 broiler chickens were distributed into four groups, with five replicates of 10 individuals per replicate. They were fed with 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5 or 1 g rutin/kg supplementation in their basal diet. Dietary rutin supplementation, especially the 1 g/kg diet, increased body weight gain, the protein efficiency ratio (p < 0.001) and both white blood cell and lymphocyte counts (p < 0.001). However, it had no effect on total protein, albumin, globulin, or alanine transaminase. A high concentration of rutin (0.5 and 1 g/kg) also significantly reduced serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.001), as well as malondialdehyde concentrations (p = 0.001). A high concentration diet also increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Of the lipid-related genes examined, acetyl CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase were significantly down-regulated in the livers of rutin-fed individuals, whereas carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha were significantly up-regulated. Therefore, rutin supplementation at 1 g/kg has the potential to improve the productive performance and health status of broiler chickens.

Antioxidative effects of flavonoids and their metabolites against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced oxidative stress in a human first trimester trophoblast cell line

This study aimed to investigate the cytoprotective effects of flavonoids, their metabolites alone or in combination against hypoxia/reoxygenation induced oxidative stress in the transformed human first trimester trophoblast cell line (HTR-8/SVneo). Oxidative stress was achieved with hypoxia followed by reoxygenation and the following assays were performed: MTT, CellTox™ Green Cytotoxicity, CellTiter-Glo®, NADP/NADPH-Glo™, ROS-Glo™/H₂O₂, GSH/GSSG-Glo™ and Caspase-Glo® 3/7 assays. HTR-8/SVneo cells, pre-treated for 24 h with flavonoids or their metabolites were protected significantly from oxidative stress. Flavonoids were associated with ROS modulation, reducing the generation of superoxide/hydrogen peroxide. The activities of caspases 3/7 were also significantly reduced significantly in HTR-8/SVneo cells pre-treated with flavonoids. This study has shown for the first time that 24 h pre-treatment with flavonoids, their metabolites alone or in combination, protected against HR-induced oxidative stress in the trophoblast cell line. These data indicate that dietary flavonoids may be beneficial to placental health and invasion during early gestation.

Effects of mulberry leaves on production performance and the potential modulation of antioxidative status in laying hens

This study evaluated the antioxidant ability of Taisung No. 3 mulberry leaf extract (MLE) as well as the potential of mulberry leaf (ML)-based dietary supplementation for modulating the antioxidative status of laying hens. The results showed that the MLE had a total phenolic compound content of 7.4 ± 0.15 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight (DW) and a total flavonoid content of 4.4 ± 0.19 mg of quercetin equivalent/g DW. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free-radical-scavenging ability was 45.9% when 0.1 mg/mL MLE was added. The lipid oxidation inhibition ability was 43.9% when 50 mg/mL MLE was added. We subjected 96 laying hens (Hendrix Genetics) to 4 treatments, namely diets supplemented with dry ML at 0 (control), 0.5, 1, or 2% for 12 weeks. Each treatment involved 8 replicates with 3 hens each. The results indicated that the 0.5% ML-supplemented group exhibited significantly higher mRNA levels of antioxidant-regulated genes, such as Nrf2, HO-1, and GST, and significantly lower ROMO1 gene expression levels at wk 12. The serum malondialdehyde level was lower and the catalase activity and superoxide dismutase activity were higher in all the ML-supplemented groups than in the control group. The egg mass and feed conversion rate significantly improved in the ML-supplemented groups compared with the control group, and, overall, 1% ML supplementation had the most favorable effects at one to 12 weeks. The egg yolk weight, shell weight, shell strength, shell thickness, yolk color, and Haugh unit were increased among all ML-supplemented groups at one to 12 weeks. On the basis of these observations, we conclude that 0.5% ML can be used as a new feed additive to potentially modulate the antioxidative status of laying hens and improve their production performance and egg quality.

The impacts of Macleaya cordata extract and naringin inclusion in post-weaning piglet diets on performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal histomorphology

The current study investigated the impacts of supplementation of post-weaning piglet diets with Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) and naringin (NAR) on performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal histomorphology. Post-weaning crossbred piglets (28 males and 28 females; age at weaning 25 d) were randomly allotted to 28 pens. The experiment consisted of a control and three treatment groups (MCE60, MCE120 and NAR). For diets MCE60 and MCE120, the control diet was supplemented with 60 and 120 mg Sangrovit® Extra (a standardised premixture of MCE) per kg diet, respectively. Group NAR received 50 mg pure NAR per kg diet. The experiment lasted 42 d (d 25 - 66 of age). At d 66, apparent pre-caecal digestibility (APD) of nutrients was determined and histomorphological changes in mid-jejunum were evaluated. Feeding diets MCE120 and NAR improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of piglets. After feeding diets MCE120 and NAR, the APD of phosphorus and different single and total amino acids were greater than after feeding the control diet. The present data demonstrated that supplementation of post-weaning piglet diets with 120 mg MCE or 50 mg NAR per kg diet could improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility and had no impact on histomorphological variables in the jejunum. These findings indicate the potential of these products to be used as growth promoters in pig nutrition.

Dietary effects of soy and citrus flavonoid on antioxidation and microbial quality of meat in broilers

The current study investigated dietary effects of soy genistein (SG) and citrus hesperidin (CH) on microbial spoilage and antioxidant quality of chicken meat. Broilers were divided to six treatment groups: control (C), SG and CH, supplemented with 5 mg of SG and 20 mg of CH per kg of feed, respectively, and SGCH1, SGCH2 and SGCH3, supplemented with 5, 10 or 20 mg of SG + CH (1:4) per kg of feed respectively. Both SG and CH reduced (p < .01) the microbial load of spoilage organisms in breast meat at 0 and 15 days of refrigeration. Hepatic and muscle total antioxidant and superoxide dismutase activities, and crude protein contents were generally improved (p < .05), whereas hepatic malondialdehyde concentration and muscle fat was decreased (p < .01) by the dietary treatments. In conclusion, soy genistein and CH supplementation could improve meat composition, antioxidant and microbial quality of broilers meat.

Effects of alfalfa flavonoids on broiler performance, meat quality, and gene expression

Two hundred and forty 1-d-old Arbor Acre female broilers were used to study the effects of alfalfa flavonoids (AF) on broiler performance, meat quality, and gene expression. Chicken were fed with basal diet supplemented with AF at 0, 5, 10, or 15 mg kg−1 diet for a period of 42 d. Growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant effect and lipoprotein lipase (LPL), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) gene expressions were investigated. Results showed that AF inclusion in the diet enhanced the body weight (BW) at 42 d of age and the average daily gain from 0 to 42 d, decreased the total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels and increased HDL level in the serum, enhanced the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the serum. Also, AF supplementation decreased the abdomen fat rate, marble, and the drip loss and storage loss after the storage for 96 h. Gene expressions’ results showed that AF inclusion decreased the FAS expression and increased the LPL, PPARγ, and ATGL expressions in the liver and adipose tissues, especially when the AF inclusion level was 15 mg kg−1 diet. These results indicate that AF were found to be effective for average daily gain and breast percentage promoting, meat quality and antioxidant activity improvement via upregulating the LPL, ATGL, PPARγ, and downregulating the FAS expression in adipose and liver tissues.

Effects of alfalfa flavonoids on broiler performance, meat quality, and gene expression

Two hundred and forty 1-d-old Arbor Acre female broilers were used to study the effects of alfalfa flavonoids (AF) on broiler performance, meat quality, and gene expression. Chicken were fed with basal diet supplemented with AF at 0, 5, 10, or 15 mg kg−1 diet for a period of 42 d. Growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant effect and lipoprotein lipase (LPL), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) gene expressions were investigated. Results showed that AF inclusion in the diet enhanced the body weight (BW) at 42 d of age and the average daily gain from 0 to 42 d, decreased the total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels and increased HDL level in the serum, enhanced the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the serum. Also, AF supplementation decreased the abdomen fat rate, marble, and the drip loss and storage loss after the storage for 96 h. Gene expressions’ results showed that AF inclusion decreased the FAS expression and increased the LPL, PPARγ, and ATGL expressions in the liver and adipose tissues, especially when the AF inclusion level was 15 mg kg−1 diet. These results indicate that AF were found to be effective for average daily gain and breast percentage promoting, meat quality and antioxidant activity improvement via upregulating the LPL, ATGL, PPARγ, and downregulating the FAS expression in adipose and liver tissues.

Individual and combined effects of genistein and hesperidin supplementation on meat quality in meat-type broiler chickens

BACKGROUND

There is growing interest in improving the production and meat quality of farm animals through dietary supplementation with phytochemical (e.g. flavonoids)-rich plants and/or their extracts. This study was conducted to analyse the supplemental effects of two purified flavonoids (genistein and hesperidin) individually and in combination on the oxidative status, sensory score and quality of breast meat in meat-type broiler chickens.

RESULTS

A significant increase (P < 0.05) in meat colour (L* score) and pH was observed for the group supplemented with 20 mg kg(-1) genistein and hesperidin. Water-holding capacity was also improved significantly (P < 0.01) for all genistein- and hesperidin-treated groups, while the sensory quality of breast meat remained unaffected. Lipid oxidation of breast meat was reduced significantly (P < 0.01) at 0 and 15 days of refrigeration in a dose-dependent manner for all supplemented groups. Meanwhile, some treated groups showed improved (P < 0.05) body weight, feed/gain ratio and hot carcass weight.

CONCLUSION

Genistein and hesperidin supplementation to broilers improved meat quality in a dose-dependent fashion, with pronounced effects of combined treatment. The results indicated that purified flavonoids such as genistein and hesperidin could potentially be used as feed additives in broiler production to promote meat quality.

Effect of increasing levels of bioflavonoids in broiler feed on plasma anti-oxidative potential, lipid metabolites, and fatty acid composition of meat

This study was conducted to investigate the supplemental effects of purified bioflavonoids (genistein and hesperidin), as potential alternatives to plant/herbs or synthetic antioxidants, individually and in combination for fatty acid profile, lipid metabolites, and antioxidant status of broilers. Three hundred sixty 1-d-old broilers were divided into 6 treatment groups: control (basal diet), G5 (5 mg of genistein per kg of feed), and H20 (20 mg hesperidin per kg of feed), whereas the other 3 groups were supplemented with a mixture of genistein and hesperidin (20% genistein + 80% hesperidin) having a dosage of 5 mg•kg(-1) (GH5), 10 mg•kg(-1) (GH10), and 20 mg•kg(-1) (GH20), respectively. Broilers were slaughtered at 42 d, and breast muscle, liver, and blood samples were collected. A dose-dependent increase (P < 0.05) was observed for plasma antioxidant parameters, including total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde production, and total superoxide dismutase activity. Cholesterol and triglyceride contents were found to decrease (P < 0.05) in serum and breast muscle. The proportion of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids in breast muscles was significantly improved (P < 0.05) by increasing levels of dietary bioflavonoids. The current results implied that dietary bioflavonoids genistein and hesperidin could positively improve the fatty acid and lipid metabolite profile of broiler breast meat in a dose-dependent fashion. Thus, bioflavonoids could be a feasible alternative of antioxidant plants/herbs and synthetic feed additives for the production of healthier chicken meat.