Effects of montmorillonite–zinc oxide hybrid on performance, diarrhea, intestinal permeability and morphology of weanling pigs

Effects of the algae derivatives on performance, intestinal histomorphology, ileal microflora, and egg yolk biochemistry of laying Japanese quail

We examined the effect of the Persian Gulf algae derivates, phycocyanin (PC) and fucoidan (FUC), on production performance, egg quality, intestinal histomorphology, ileal microflora, and egg yolk biochemistry of laying Japanese quail. A total of 250 six-wk-old Japanese quails with an average body weight of 215 ± 10 g were allocated to 5 treatments, 5 replicates and 10 birds in each replicate in a completely randomized design. The treatment groups received PC (from Spirulina platensis) and FUC (from brown seaweed) in their drinking water while control groups did not. Treatment groups received PC and FUC at 20 or 40 mg/L levels (denoted as PC20, PC40, FUC20, and FUC40, respectively). All birds were fed the same diet. All treatments significantly improved the percentage of hen day egg production (HDEP) (P = 0.002), egg mass (P = 0.002), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P = 0.022) but no difference was noted in egg weight (EW) and feed intake (FI). Different levels of PC and FUC significantly increased the thickness of eggshells (P = 0.022); however, the weight of the digestive tract (liver, spleen, proventriculus, gizzard, and pancreas) and oviduct was not affected. Algal derivates improved the villus height (P = 0.007) and crypt depth (P = 0.007) of the duodenum, as well as, the villus height (P = 0.005) and crypt depth (P = 0.026) of the jejunum. Both algal derivates positively affected the intestinal microflora (populations of Lactobacillus (P = 0.017), Coliform (P = 0.005), and Clostridium (P = 0.000)) whereas aerobic bacteria were unaffected. Yolk cholesterol P = 0.012) and yolk malondialdehyde P = 0.050) content were significantly reduced in experimental treatments compared to the control group. In conclusion, our results showed that the treatment of laying Japanese quails with algal derivates positively affects quail performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal microflora, and yolk cholesterol and malondialdehyde. Additional studies exploring optimal dosages and mechanisms of action is warranted to fully understand the scope of the algae derivates in poultry production.

Enzymolytic soybean meal-impact on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidative capacity, and intestinal health of weaned piglets

Enzymolytic soybean meal (ESBM) enriches free amino acids and small peptides, while mitigating anti-nutritional factors. Substituting soybean meal with ESBM enhances animal performance, though optimal piglet dietary supplementation levels vary. The present study aimed to assess the impact of ESBM on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidative capacity and intestinal health of weaned piglets. A total of 120 piglets (initial body weight, 7.0 ± 0.4 kg) were randomly allocated into 4 dietary groups, each comprising 5 replicates with 6 piglets per replicate. The control group received the basal diet, while the experimental groups were fed diets containing 2, 4% or 8% ESBM as a replacement for soybean meal over 28 days. Compared with the control group, piglets supplemented with 4% ESBM exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.05) in average daily gain and the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, ether extract and gross energy (p < 0.05), alongside a notable decrease (p < 0.05) in diarrhea incidence. Fed ESBM linearly increased (p < 0.05) the villus height in the ileum of piglets. The levels of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity in serum of piglets increased (p < 0.05) in the 2 and 4% ESBM groups, while diamine oxidase content decreased (p < 0.05) in the 4 and 8% ESBM group. ESBM inclusion also upregulated (p < 0.05) the expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1), Catalase (CAT) and claudin-1 mRNA. In terms of cecal fermentation characteristics, ESBM supplementation resulted in a increase (p < 0.05) in valerate content and a linear rise (p < 0.05) in propionate, butyrate, and total short-chain fatty acids levels, accompanied by a decrease (p < 0.05) in the concentrations of tryptamine and NH3 in cecal digesta. ESBM had no discernible effect on cecal microbial composition. In summary, substitution of soybean meal with ESBM effectively improved the growth performance of piglets by enhancing nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, intestinal barrier and cecal microbial fermentation characteristics, with the optimal replacement level identified at 4%.

Schizochytrium sp. and lactoferrin supplementation alleviates Escherichia coli K99-induced diarrhea in preweaning dairy calves

Calf diarrhea, a common disease mainly induced by Escherichia coli infection, is one of the main reasons for nonpredator losses. Hence, an effective nonantibacterial approach to prevent calf diarrhea has become an emerging requirement. This study evaluated the microalgae Schizochytrium sp. (SZ) and lactoferrin (LF) as a nutrient intervention approach against E. coli O101:K99-induced preweaning calve diarrhea. Fifty 1-d-old male Holstein calves were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 10): (1) control, (2) blank (no supplement or challenge), (3) 1 g/d LF, (4) 20 g/d SZ, or (5) 1 g/d LF plus 20 g/d SZ (LFSZ). The experimental period lasted 14 d. On the morning of d 7, calves were challenged with 1 × 1011 cfu of E. coli O101:K99, and rectum feces were collected on 3, 12, 24, and 168 h postchallenge for the control, LF, SZ, and LFSZ groups. The rectal feces of the blank group were collected on d 14. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS (version 9.4; SAS Institute Inc.). The E. coli K99 challenge decreased the average daily gain (ADG) and increased feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) and diarrhea frequency (control vs. blank). Compared with the control group, the LFSZ group had a higher ADG and lower F:G, and the LFSZ and SZ groups had lower diarrhea frequency compared with the control group. In addition, the LFSZ and SZ groups have no differences in diarrhea frequency compared with the blank group. Compared with the control group, the blank group had lower serum nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1, d-lactic acid (D-LA), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations, as well as serum IgG, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α levels on d 7 and 14. On d 7, compared with the control group, all treatment groups had lower serum NO level, the SZ group had a lower serum D-LA concentration, and the LF and LFSZ groups had lower serum LPS concentration. On d 14, compared with the control group, the fecal microbiota of the blank group had lower Shannon, Simpson, Chao1, and ACE indexes, the LFSZ group had lower Shannon and Simpson indexes, the SZ and LFSZ groups had a higher Chao1 index, and all treatment groups had a higher ACE index. In fecal microbiota, Bifidobacterium and Actinobacteria were negatively associated with IL-10 and d-lactate, while Akkermansia was negatively associated with endothelin-1 and positively correlated with LPS, fecal scores, and d-lactate levels. Our results indicated that LF and SZ supplements could alleviate E. coli O101:K99-induced calf diarrhea individually or in combination. Supplementing 1 g/d LF and 20 g/d SZ could be a potential nutrient intervention approach to prevent bacterial diarrhea in calves.

Dietary Bacillus spp. supplementation to both sow and progenies improved post-weaning growth rate, gut function, and reduce the pro-inflammatory cytokine production in weaners challenged with Escherichia coli K88

BACKGROUND

The use of probiotics (PRO) in late gestation sow and their impact on progenies' performance during the post-weaning stage has received more attention from the researchers recently. This study aimed to analyze the effect of probiotic mixture (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis) on both sow and offspring's performance.

METHODS

First experiment (Exp.1) was conducted from the 100th day of gestation through to post-weaning. A total of twenty sows and their litters were assigned to one of two dietary treatments, Control (CON) based diet and PRO- CON+ 0.05% probiotic mixture. Dietary treatments were arranged in a split-plot pattern with sow and weaner treatment (CON and PRO diet) as the main and sub plot. Exp.2. E. coli challenge study was carried out two weeks after weaning with 40 piglets. Dietary treatments remained same while all pigs were orally administered with a 1.5 ml suspension of 1010 CFU of K88 strain of E. coli per ml.

RESULT

PRO group sow showed significantly decreased backfat thickness difference and body weight difference after farrowing and at the end of weaning d21. The nutrient digestibility of PRO group sows was significantly higher at the end of weaning. Moreover, piglets born from PRO group sow showed higher weaning weight and tend to increase average daily gain at the end of d21. The addition of mixed probiotic in sow and weaner diet had suppressed the production of TNF-α and interleukin-6 in E. coli challenged pigs. The phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in E. coli -challenged pigs were highly abundant while, the relative abundance of clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 at genus level was significantly reduced by the inclusion of probiotic in both the sow and weaner diet. Also, taxonomic distribution analysis showed significantly lower prevalence of Clostridium and Brachyspira and higher prevalence of Lactobacilli in E. coli-challenged pigs that were born from PRO group sow and fed CON and PRO weaner diet.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals that the inclusion of 0.05% mixed probiotics (Bacillus spp.) to both sow and their progenies diet would be more beneficial to enhance the post-weaning growth rate, gut health, and immune status of E. coli challenged pigs.

Synbiotics improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility, inhibit PEDV infection, and prevent intestinal barrier dysfunction by mediating innate antivirus immune response in weaned piglets

This experiment was conducted to explore the effects of dietary synbiotics (SYB) supplementation on growth performance, immune function, and intestinal barrier function in piglets challenged with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Forty crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) weaned piglets (26 ± 1 d old) with a mean body weight (BW) of 6.62 ± 0.36 kg were randomly allotted to five groups: control (CON) I and CONII group, both fed basal diet; 0.1% SYB group, 0.2% SYB group, and 0.2% yeast culture (YC) group, fed basal diet supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2% SYB, and 0.2% YC, respectively. On day 22, all piglets were orally administrated with 40 mL PEDV (5.6 × 103 TCID50/mL) except piglets in CONI group, which were administrated with the same volume of sterile saline. The trial lasted for 26 d. Before PEDV challenge, dietary 0.1% SYB supplementation increased final BW, average daily gain (ADG), and decreased the ratio of feed to gain during 0 to 21 d (P < 0.05), as well as improved the apparent nutrient digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein, ether extract (EE), and gross energy (GE). At the same time, 0.2% YC also improved the apparent nutrient digestibility of DM, OM, EE, and GE (P < 0.05). PEDV challenge increased diarrhea rate and diarrhea indexes while decreased ADG (P < 0.05) from days 22 to 26, and induced systemic and intestinal mucosa innate immune and proinflammatory responses, destroyed intestinal barrier integrity. The decrease in average daily feed intake and ADG induced by PEDV challenge was suppressed by dietary SYB and YC supplementation, and 0.1% SYB had the best-alleviating effect. Dietary 0.1% SYB supplementation also increased serum interleukin (IL)-10, immunoglobulin M, complement component 4, and jejunal mucosal IL-4 levels, while decreased serum diamine oxidase activity compared with CONII group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 0.1% SYB improved mRNA expressions of claudin-1, zonula occludens protein-1, mucin 2, interferon-γ, interferon regulatory factor-3, signal transducers and activators of transcription (P < 0.05), and protein expression of occludin, and downregulated mRNA expressions of toll-like receptor 3 and tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0.05) in jejunal mucosa. Supplementing 0.2% SYB or 0.2% YC also had a positive effect on piglets, but the effect was not as good as 0.1% SYB. These results indicated that dietary 0.1% SYB supplementation improved growth performance under normal conditions, and alleviated the inflammatory response and the damage of intestinal barrier via improving innate immune function and decreasing PEDV genomic copies, showed optimal protective effects against PEDV infection.

Early supplementation with zinc proteinate does not change rectal microbiota but increases growth performance by improving antioxidant capacity and plasma zinc concentration in preweaned dairy calves

The present study evaluated the effects of early supplementation with zinc proteinate (ZnP) or zinc oxide (ZnO) for 2 weeks on the growth performance, redox status, plasma trace element concentrations, and rectal microbiota of preweaned dairy calves. A total of 60 newborn healthy female Holstein dairy calves, with initial body weight (BW): 41.33 ± 0.62 kg, were randomly allocated to 5 groups of 12 each: a control group (CON); three groups supplemented with 261 (L-ZnP), 523 (M-ZnP), and 784 (H-ZnP) mg/day ZnP, equivalent to 40, 80, and 120 mg/day zinc, respectively; and one group supplemented with 232 mg/day ZnO, equivalent to 180 mg/day zinc (ZnO). Zinc supplements were administered on days 1-14, and the calves were followed up until day 70. Zinc supplementation increased total dry matter intake (DMI) and starter DMI compared with the CON group (p < 0.01). The final BW, average daily gain, and feed efficiency were higher in the M-ZnP, H-ZnP, and ZnO groups (p < 0.05). The incidence of diarrhea on days 1-28 was reduced by zinc administration (p < 0.01), whereas the incidence on days 29-56 was lower in the M-ZnP and ZnO groups (p < 0.05). Serum glutathione peroxidase activity, total antioxidant capacity, immunoglobulin G and plasma zinc concentrations were increased linearly (p < 0.05), while the serum concentration of malondialdehyde was decreased linearly (p < 0.01), as the dose of ZnP increased. ZnP yielding 80 mg/day zinc had similar effects as ZnO yielding 180 mg/day zinc, except that final BW was higher in the ZnO group (p < 0.05). At the phylum level, ZnO decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes while increasing the abundance of Bacteroidetes (p < 0.05). At the genus level, ZnO increased the relative abundances of Prevotella, Subdoligranulum, and Odoribacter (p < 0.05). These findings indicated that early supplementation with ZnP did not affect the rectal microbiota of preweaned dairy calves but increased their growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and plasma zinc concentration. In summary, ZnP is an organic zinc source with greater bioavailability than ZnO for preweaned dairy calves. Early dietary supplementation with ZnP yielding 80 mg/day zinc is recommended.

The Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Growth, Diarrhea, Antioxidant Capacity, and Immune Function in Holstein Dairy Calves

The current study examined the effects of supplementary zinc proteinate (ZnPro) and zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, diarrhea, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and mineral element concentrations of calves aged 1 to 28 days. A total of twenty-four newborn calves were divided randomly into 3 groups (n = 8; 2 males and 6 females per group), and each received: 0 mg/d Zn (CON), 627 mg/d ZnPro (80 mg/d Zn; ZnPro group), and 101 mg/d ZnO (80 mg/d Zn; ZnO group). The calves received the additive in their milk during the first 28 days of life. Compared with the CON group: ZnPro and ZnO improved average daily gain (ADG) and decreased the feed:gain ratio (FGR) between days 1 and 14 (p < 0.05), while the ADG increased and FGR decreased only in the ZnPro group between days 1 and 28 (p < 0.05). The incidence of diarrhea decreased (p < 0.05) in the ZnPro and ZnO groups between days 15 and 28 as well as days 1 and 28, but decreased (p < 0.05) only in the ZnPro group between days 1 and 14. The serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration of the ZnPro and ZnO groups increased on days 14 and 28 (p < 0.05). ZnPro supplementation increased serum IgM concentration during the whole study, while ZnO enhanced serum IgM concentration only on day 14 (p < 0.05). In the ZnO group, the serum concentration of cytokines interleukin (IL)-10 increased on day 14, while that of IL-1β increased on day 28 (p < 0.05). In addition, ZnPro reduced the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration on days 14 and 28 (p < 0.05). Both ZnPro and ZnO increased the serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and metallothionein (MT) on day 14 (p < 0.05). With zinc supplementation, plasma Zn concentration increased (p < 0.05) on days 14 and 28 of age. We concluded that supplementary ZnPro and ZnO reduced incidences of diarrhea and promoted the immune function, but ZnPro improved the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of Holstein dairy calves to a greater extent.

Suppression of inflammatory responses in heat-stressed broiler chickens by bovine casein

This study was conducted to investigate the potential of bovine casein to mitigate the inflammatory responses in heat-stressed broiler chickens. One-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens (n = 1200) were reared using standard management practices. On d 22 of age, birds were divided into 2 main groups and kept either under thermoneutral temperature (21 ± 1 °C) or chronic heat stress (30 ± 1 °C). Each group was further divided into 2 sub-groups and fed either the control diet (Con) or the casein (3 g/kg) supplemented diet (CAS). The study consisted of four treatments; each treatment was replicated 12 times with 25 birds per replicate. The treatments were as follow; CCon: control temperature + control diet, CCAS: control temperature + casein diet, HCon: heat stress + control diet, and HCAS: heat stress + casein diet. The casein and heat stress protocols were applied from d 22 to d 35 of age. Casein increased the growth performance of the HCAS (P < 0.05) when compared to the HCon. Additionally, the maximum feed conversion efficiency was exhibited (P < 0.05) by the HCAS. Compared with CCon, heat stress increased (P < 0.05) the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Casein lowered (P < 0.05) the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and increased (P < 0.05) the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in response to heat exposure. Heat stress decreased (P < 0.05) villus height, crypt depth, villus surface area, and absorptive epithelial cell area. Casein increased (P < 0.05) villus height, crypt depth, villus surface area, and absorptive epithelial cell area in CCAS and HCAS. Furthermore, casein improved intestinal microflora balance by enhancing (P < 0.05) the growth of intestinal beneficial bacteria and decreasing (P < 0.05) the intestinal colonization with the pathogenic bacteria. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of bovine casein would suppress the inflammatory responses in heat-stressed broiler chickens. Such potential could be utilized as an effective management approach to promote gut health and homeostasis during heat stress conditions.

Effects of dietary supplementation with different levels of palygorskite-based composite on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of palygorskite-based composite (PBC) on growth performance, antioxidant status, and meat quality of broilers. A total of 320 one-day-old mixed-sex Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated to 1 of 5 groups with 8 replicates of 8 birds each, and given a basal diet supplemented with 0, 250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg PBC for a 42-day trial, respectively. PBC quadratically increased feed efficiency during the late and overall experimental periods (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, 1,000 mg/kg PBC increased feed efficiency during the overall period (P < 0.05). PBC linearly increased serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity at 21 d and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity at both 21 d and 42 d (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, PBC supplementation, regardless of its level, increased 21-day serum SOD activity (P < 0.05). The 21-day serum GSH-Px activity was increased by PBC when its level exceeded 250 mg/kg (P < 0.05). PBC linearly increased 42-day total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activity, but linearly decreased 42-day malondialdehyde level in liver (P < 0.05). An addition of PBC, irrespective of its level, increased 42-day hepatic T-AOC activity (P < 0.05). PBC quadratically increased 45-min yellowness value and linearly increased 24-h pH value, but quadratically decreased 24-h lightness value and linearly and quadratically reduced 24-h drip loss in breast muscle (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the 24-h drip loss of breast muscle was decreased by PBC, regardless of its dosage (P < 0.05). An addition of PBC linearly increased 42-day T-AOC and T-SOD activities of breast muscle (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, muscle T-SOD activity was increased by PBC, regardless of its administration level (P < 0.05). These results suggested that PBC could improve growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of broilers, and its recommended dosage is 1,000 mg/kg.

A Review on Montmorillonite-Based Nanoantimicrobials: State of the Art

One of the crucial challenges of our time is to effectively use metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) as an alternative way to combat drug-resistant infections. Metal and metal oxide NPs such as Ag, Ag₂O, Cu, Cu₂O, CuO, and ZnO have found their way against antimicrobial resistance. However, they also suffer from several limitations ranging from toxicity issues to resistance mechanisms by complex structures of bacterial communities, so-called biofilms. In this regard, scientists are urgently looking for convenient approaches to develop heterostructure synergistic nanocomposites which could overcome toxicity issues, enhance antimicrobial activity, improve thermal and mechanical stability, and increase shelf life. These nanocomposites provide a controlled release of bioactive substances into the surrounding medium, are cost effective, reproducible, and scalable for real life applications such as food additives, nanoantimicrobial coating in food technology, food preservation, optical limiters, the bio medical field, and wastewater treatment application. Naturally abundant and non-toxic Montmorillonite (MMT) is a novel support to accommodate NPs, due to its negative surface charge and control release of NPs and ions. At the time of this review, around 250 articles have been published focusing on the incorporation of Ag-, Cu-, and ZnO-based NPs into MMT support and thus furthering their introduction into polymer matrix composites dominantly used for antimicrobial application. Therefore, it is highly relevant to report a comprehensive review of Ag-, Cu-, and ZnO-modified MMT. This review provides a comprehensive overview of MMT-based nanoantimicrobials, particularly dealing with preparation methods, materials characterization, and mechanisms of action, antimicrobial activity on different bacterial strains, real life applications, and environmental and toxicity issues.

Torula yeast may improve intestinal health and immune function of weanling pigs

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that inclusion of a conventional torula yeast or a torula yeast produced from forestry byproducts (i.e., woody torula yeast) in diets for weanling pigs instead of fish meal and plasma protein improves growth performance and intestinal health of pigs. A total of 120 weanling pigs (6.53 ± 0.78 kg) were allotted to three treatments with ten replicate pens per diet. Pigs were fed one of three diets from days 1 to 14 post-weaning (phase 1), whereas all pigs were fed a common diet in phase 2 (days 15 to 28). The three treatments in phase 1 included a control diet with 5% fish meal, 3.5% plasma protein, and no torula yeast. The second diet contained 1.5% fish meal, 14% woody torula yeast, and no plasma protein, whereas the third diet contained 1.5% fish meal, 14% conventional torula yeast, and no plasma protein. Fecal scores were assessed every other day. On day 7, one pig per pen was euthanized to collect ileal tissue and mucosa for determination of morphology and for ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing analysis. At the end of phases 1 and 2, blood samples were collected and concentrations of cytokines, plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), peptide YY, immunoglobulin G, total protein, and albumin were analyzed. Results indicated that both torula yeast sources could replace fish meal and plasma protein without affecting growth performance, intestinal morphology, or blood characteristics of pigs. Pigs fed a diet containing torula yeast had improved (P < 0.05) fecal scores during phase 1. Pigs fed the conventional torula yeast diet had greater (P < 0.05) concentration of interleukin-2 compared with pigs fed the control diet. On day 14, greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 were observed in pigs fed the diet containing the woody torula yeast or conventional torula yeast compared with pigs fed the control diet. Results from the RNA sequencing indicated that 19 of 24 analyzed genes involved in digestion and absorption of protein and vitamins were downregulated in pigs fed the diet containing woody torula yeast compared with pigs fed the control diet. However, only two genes (i.e., ANKS4B and FAM54A) were downregulated in pigs fed the woody torula yeast diet compared with the conventional torula yeast diet. In conclusion, using woody or conventional torula yeast instead of fish meal and plasma protein in the phase 1 diet for weanling pigs may improve intestinal health without influencing growth performance of pigs.

STIM1 promotes IPEC-J2 porcine epithelial cell restitution by TRPC1 signaling

Intestinal epithelial restitution is partly dependent on cell migration, which reseals superficial wounding after injury. Here, we tested the hypothesis that stromal interaction molecule 1(STIM1) regulates porcine intestinal epithelial cell migration by activating transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) signaling. Results showed that the knockdown of STIM1 repressed cell migration after wounding, reduced the protein concentration of STIM1 and TRPC1, and decreased the inositol trisphosphate (IP3) content in IPEC-J2 cells (p < 0.05). However, overexpression of STIM1 obtained opposite results (p < 0.05). The inhibition of TRPC1 activity by treatment with SKF96365 in cells overexpressing wild-type and mutant STIM1 attenuated the STIM1 overexpression-induced increase of cell migration, STIM1, TRPC1 and IP3 (p < 0.05). In addition, polyamine depletion caused by α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) resulted in the decrease of above-mentioned parameters, and exogenous polyamine could attenuate the negative effects of DFMO on IPEC-J2 cells (p < 0.05). Moreover, the overexpression of STIM1 could rescue cell migration, the protein level of STIM1 and TRPC1, and IP3 content in polyamine-deficient IPEC-J2 cells (p < 0.05). These results indicated that STIM1 could enhance porcine intestinal epithelial cell migration via the TRPC1 signaling pathway. Inhibition of cell migration by polyamine depletion resulted from the reduction of STIM1 activity.

Recent Advances in Deep Eutectic Solvents as Shale Swelling Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review

Inhibitors have evolved from their primary function of controlling swelling during hydraulic fracturing processes in shale reservoirs. This study provides a comprehensive review of recent deep eutectic solvent (DES) advancements as inhibitors in swelling inhibition techniques. The swelling inhibitory potentials and mechanisms of DESs have been studied analytically and compared to existing conventional inhibitors. The functional effects of concentration, temperature, and types of DES are explored. Data on the effect of DES on rheology, swelling, zeta potential, shale cutting recovery, surface tension, particle size distribution, XRD, and FTIR analyses are presented. Along with preparation procedures, environmental concerns and applications of DESs in several fields are discussed. This study suggests that DESs are preferable swelling inhibitors due to their inhibitory performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. Moreover, this review includes guidelines and recommendations for selecting and designing DES to inhibit swelling more effectively.

A perspective review on the effect of different forms of zinc on poultry production of poultry with special reference to the hazardous effects of misuse

Zinc (Zn) is a unique micro-mineral because it is an essential component in many enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, carbonic anhydrase, and alkaline phosphatase, as well as being important for regulation of proteins and lipids metabolism, and sex hormones. This mineral is applied in poultry production in three forms; inorganic, organic, and nanoparticle form. The nano-form of Zn is preferable in application to other conventional forms with regard to absorption, bioavailability, and efficacy. Broilers fed on diets supplemented with Zn showed improvement of growth performance, carcass meat yield, and meat quality. In addition, Zn plays an important role in enhancing of both cellular and humeral immune responses, beside its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. In laying hens, dietary addition of Zn improves the eggshell quality and the quantity of eggs. Moreover, Zn has a vital role in breeders in terms of improving the egg production, fertility, hatchability, embryonic development, and availability of the hatched chicks. Therefore, this review article is focused on the effects of using Zn on the performance and immunity of poultry, as well as its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with special reference to the hazardous effects of the misusing of this mineral.

How copper can impact pig growth: comparing the effect of copper sulfate and monovalent copper oxide on oxidative status, inflammation, gene abundance, and microbial modulation as potential mechanisms of action

The beneficial effect of elevated concentrations of copper (Cu) on growth performance of pigs has been already demonstrated; however, their mechanism of action is not fully discovered. The objective of the present experiment was to investigate the effects of including Cu from copper sulfate (CuSO₄) or monovalent copper oxide (Cu₂O) in the diet of growing pigs on oxidative stress, inflammation, gene abundance, and microbial modulation. We used 120 pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 11.5 ± 0.98 kg in 2 blocks of 60 pigs, 3 dietary treatments, 5 pigs per pen, and 4 replicate pens per treatment within each block for a total of 8 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments included the negative control (NC) diet containing 20 mg Cu/kg and 2 diets in which 250 mg Cu/kg from CuSO₄ or Cu₂O was added to the NC. On day 28, serum samples were collected from one pig per pen and this pig was then euthanized to obtain liver samples for the analysis of oxidative stress markers (Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde, MDA). Serum samples were analyzed for cytokines. Jejunum tissue and colon content were collected and used for transcriptomic analyses and microbial characterization, respectively. Results indicated that there were greater (P < 0.05) MDA levels in the liver of pigs fed the diet with 250 mg/kg CuSO₄ than in pigs fed the other diets. The serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha was greater (P < 0.05) in pigs fed diets containing CuSO₄ compared with pigs fed the NC diet or the diet with 250 mg Cu/kg from Cu₂O. Pigs fed diets containing CuSO₄ or Cu₂O had a greater (P < 0.05) abundance of genes related to the intestinal barrier function and nutrient transport, but a lower (P < 0.05) abundance of pro-inflammatory genes compared with pigs fed the NC diet. Supplementing diets with CuSO₄ or Cu₂O also increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Peptostreptococcaceae families and reduced (P < 0.05) the abundance of the Rikenellaceae family, Campylobacter, and Streptococcus genera in the colon of pigs. In conclusion, adding 250 mg/kg of Cu from CuSO₄ or Cu₂O regulates genes abundance in charge of the immune system and growth, and promotes changes in the intestinal microbiota; however, Cu₂O induces less systemic oxidation and inflammation compared with CuSO₄.

Impacts of weaning weights and mycotoxin challenges on jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal and systemic health, and growth performance of nursery pigs

Background

This study aimed at investigating the effects of mycotoxin challenge on the growth and physiology of nursery pigs with different weaning weights.

Results

At weaning, 10 pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa and 90 pigs were assigned following a randomized complete block design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 3 pigs per pen. Factors were: weaning weight (light: body weight, BW < 7.5 kg or heavy: BW > 9.0 kg); and dietary mycotoxins (supplementation of 0.2 mg/kg aflatoxins, 2.0 mg/kg deoxynivalenol). All diets had titanium dioxide as an external marker at 0.5%. Growth performance and fecal score were recorded until pigs achieved 20 kg BW (light pigs average BW = 21.1 kg and heavy pigs average BW = 20.5 kg). Pigs were sampled for blood, ileal digesta, jejunal tissue and mucosa at 20 kg BW. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS. At weaning, light pigs had decreased (P < 0.05) jejunal interleukin-8, increased (P < 0.05) tumor necrosis factor-α, and increased (P < 0.05) α-diversity indexes of jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota. At 20 kg of BW, light pigs had decreased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G/F). Mycotoxins decreased (P < 0.05) BW, ADG, ADFI, and G/F. Light pigs tended to have increased fecal score on d 0 (P = 0.080), d 10 (P = 0.069), and increased (P < 0.05) fecal score at 20 kg. Mycotoxins decreased the apparent ileal digestibility of nitrogen (P < 0.05). Light pigs had increased (P < 0.05) intestinal malondialdehydes and interleukin 8. Mycotoxins tended to increase (P = 0.060) intestinal tumor necrosis factor-α.

Conclusions

Nursery pigs with light weaning weight were more susceptible to jejunal inflammation and had impaired intestinal health due to weaning stress, whereas mycotoxins diminished the health and growth of nursery pigs regardless of weaning weight.

Effect of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 Spores as a Probiotic Feed Supplement on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Diarrhea Score, Intestinal Microbiota, and Excreta Odor Contents in Weanling Piglets

It has been well-documented that the dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis could improve piglet performance. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 spores as a probiotic feed supplement on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal score, intestinal microbiota, and excreta odor contents in weanling piglets. A total of 150 crossed ((Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc) weanling piglets (28-days-old), with an average initial body weight of 7.53 ± 1.23 kg, were divided into two treatment groups according to sex and initial body weight (BW) for a 6-week experiment. In each group, fifteen replicate pens consisting of five piglets per pen (three gilts and two barrows) were used in a randomized complete block design. Treatments consisted of (1) CON, a basal diet; (2) BSC, a diet of CON + 300 g Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) C-3102 spores per ton of feed. Supplementation with the B. subtilis C-3102 spores in the diet increased the BW, average daily gain (ADG), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) throughout the whole trial (p < 0.05). Weanling piglets that were fed B. subtilis C-3102 spores had increased dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and energy (E) digestibility compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Lower diarrhea scores were observed in the B. subtilis C-3102 spores group on Day 7 (p < 0.05). Taken together, our results suggest that dietary supplementation with B. subtilis C-3102 spores could benefit the BW, ADG, and G:F of weanling piglets and improve the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of the DM, CP, and E.

Growth, physiological performance, and pork quality of weaner large white piglets to different inclusion levels of nano zinc oxide

Thirty intensively reared piglets averaged 7.6 ± 0.32 kg were used for the experiment. The piglets were randomly allotted to 5 different treatments: 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg nano zinc oxide (nZnO; 50 nm), positive control (tylosin 10%), and the negative control (no additive) in a completely randomized design. Data were collected for weight changes, blood parameters, and carcass and meat quality characteristics. Piglets supplemented with 200 mg/kg had elevated (P < 0.05) weight gain, while those supplemented with 400 and 600 mg/kg nZnO had higher comparable weight gains, while the control groups had the least comparable weight gain values. Pigs fed 600 mg/kg of nano zinc had the highest albumin concentrations with the least values observed in 200 and 400 mg/kg groups. Pigs offered tylosin 10% and 600 mg/kg had higher comparable total protein, while those fed control diet had the lowest total protein concentration. Pigs supplemented with nZnO had highest comparable values for slaughter weights. The supplementation of 600 mg/kg had elevated values of villi height, while the groups supplemented with 200 and 400 mg/kg had a similar trend, and the control had the least comparable values of villi height. It could be concluded that the supplementation of nZnO at a dietary dose of 600 mg/kg gave the best performance in terms of intestinal morphology (villus height), growth performance, meat quality, and immune response.

Dietary palygorskite-based antibacterial agent supplementation as an alternative to antibiotic improves growth performance, intestinal mucosal barrier function, and immunity in broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of palygorskite-based antibacterial agent (PAA) as an alternative to antibiotic on growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and immunity in broilers. Three hundred and eighty-four mixed-sex 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated into 6 groups of 8 replicates with 8 birds each. Birds were given a basal diet, an antibiotic diet (50 mg/kg chlortetracycline), and the basal diet supplemented with 250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg PAA for 42 d, respectively. Compared with control group, supplementing 1,000 mg/kg PAA reduced overall feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05), with its value being similar to that of antibiotic group (P > 0.05). However, a higher level of PAA (2,000 mg/kg) increased feed conversion ratio during the late period (P < 0.05). The 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg PAA decreased plasma endotoxin and D-lactate levels at 42 d (P < 0.05) to comparable values (P > 0.05). The 1,000 mg/kg PAA decreased jejunal crypt depth, while 500 and 1,000 mg/kg PAA increased the ratio between jejunal villus height and crypt depth at 42 d (P < 0.05), with their values being similar to antibiotic group (P > 0.05). The highest level of PAA increased 42-d jejunal mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M concentrations (P < 0.05). The 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg PAA reduced 21-d interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in serum and ileal mucosa and 42-d interferon-γ level in serum and jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05), which did not differ from antibiotic group (P > 0.05). Moreover, PAA administration, regardless of its dosage, reduced 42-d serum TNF-α concentration, and 500 to 2,000 mg/kg PAA decreased 21-d and 42-d jejunal and 42-d ileal mucosal TNF-α levels (P < 0.05), with their values being comparable with antibiotic group (P > 0.05). The results suggested that PAA as an alternative to antibiotic could improve growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and immunity of broilers, and its optimal dosage was 1,000 mg/kg.

Effects of different inorganic:organic zinc ratios or combination of low crude protein diet and feed additives in weaned piglet diets

Thirty-six weaned piglets with an initial body weight (BW) of 8.43 ± 0.40 kg (28 days of age, ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) were randomly assigned to 6 treatments for a 2-week feeding trial to determine the effects of different inorganic zinc (IZ), organic zinc (OZ) or combination of low crude protein diet (LP) and Mixed feed additive (MFA) on diarrhea score, nutrient digestibility, zinc utilization, blood profiles, organ weight, and fecal microflora in weaned piglet diet. The pigs were individually placed in 45 × 55 × 45 cm stainless steel metabolism cages in an environmentally controlled room (30 ± 1°C). The dietary treatments included a negative control (NC), positive control (PC; zinc oxide, 1,000 mg/kg), T1 (IZ : OZ, 850 : 150), T2 (IZ : OZ 700 : 300), T3 (IZ : OZ, 500 : 500), and T4 (LP + MFA [0.1% Essential oils + 0.08% Protease + 0.02% Xylanase]). The daily feed allowance was adjusted to 2.7 times the maintenance requirement for digestible energy (2.7 × 110 kcal of DE/kg BW^0.75). This allowance was divided into two equal parts, and the piglets were fed at 08 : 30 and 17 : 30 each day. Water was provided ad libitum through a drinking nipple. The diarrhea score was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in NC treatment compared with other treatments. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and gross energy (GE) was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the T2 treatment compared with the PC and NC treatments in week 1. In week 2, the ATTD of DM, N, and GE was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the NC treatment compared with other treatments. The T3 treatment had significantly higher (p < 0.05) ATTD and apparent ileal digestibility of zinc than the PC and T1 treatments. The Escherichia coli count in feces was significantly decreased in the T4 treatment compared with the NC and T2 treatments. The Lactobacillus count in feces was significantly increased in the T4 and T1 treatment compared with the T2 and T3 treatments. In conclusion, IZ : OZ 500 : 500 levels could improve nutrient digestibility and zinc utilization in weaned piglets, Moreover, MFA in LP diets could be used as a zinc alternative.

Dietary Tributyrin Administration Improves Intestinal Morphology and Selected Bacterial and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Profiles in Broilers Under an Isocaloric Feeding Regime

The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary tributyrin (TB) administration on the intestinal and growth performances in Arbor Acres (AA) broilers under an isocaloric feeding regime. A total of 540 day-old healthy AA broilers were randomly assigned to five treatments with 12 replicates (pens) per treatment and nine birds per pen for 42 days. The dietary treatments were basal diet (control) and basal diet with TB at doses of 0.23 g/kg (TB1), 0.46 g/kg (TB2), 0.92 g/kg (TB3), and 1.84 g/kg (TB4). Particularly, to achieve the isocaloric and cost-saving experimental diets, soybean oil was replaced by the TB product (Eucalorie^®) with equivalent metabolic energy contents, and the formulas were rebalanced with zeolite to get the sum of all the feed ingredients to 100%. On days 21 and 42, after weighing, the birds (one bird per replicate) whose body weight was close to the replicate average were euthanized to investigate the effect of dietary TB on intestinal morphology, intestinal bacterial population, and short-chain fatty acid contents. The results revealed that dietary TB administration increased the average daily gain, gain/feed ratio, and European broiler index (P < 0.05) and improved the intestinal morphology (P < 0.05) as indicated by higher villus height and the ratios of villus height/crypt depth in broilers. The incremental levels of TB increased the ileal Lactobacillus content (P = 0.05) and cecal Bacillus content (P = 0.02), respectively. Moreover, dietary TB administration also increased the contents of most of the selected short-chain fatty acids in ileal and cecal digesta (P < 0.05). Collectively, dietary TB administration quadratically improved the growth performance, intestinal morphology, beneficial bacterial population, and short-chain fatty acid levels under the isocaloric feeding regime, indicating better profit return potential in practical poultry operation.

Resveratrol protects intestinal integrity, alleviates intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress by modulating AhR/Nrf2 pathways in weaned piglets challenged with diquat

This study investigated the effects of resveratrol (RES) on intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, intestinal inflammation, and barrier function in weaned piglets challenged with diquat (DIQ). Thirty weaned piglets were randomly assigned to 5 treatments: non-challenged group (CON), DIQ-challenged group (DIQ), and DIQ-challenged group with 10, 30, or 90 mg/kg of RES, respectively. The trail lasted 21 days, and piglets were intraperitoneally injected with DIQ or the same amount of saline on day 15. The results showed that supplementation with 90 mg/kg RES increased (P < 0.05) jejunal villus height and villus height: crypt depth ratio, and decreased (P < 0.05) crypt depth, plasma D-lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO) compared with the DIQ group. Piglets fed with 30 or 90 mg/kg RES prevented the diquat-induced decrease (P < 0.05) of mRNA expression of occludin, claudin-1, ZO-1, and IL-10, and increase (P < 0.05) of TNF-α mRNA expression. Moreover, addition of 90 mg/kg RES increased (P < 0.05) the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT and decreased (P < 0.05) the MDA levels in jejunal mucosa compared with the DIQ group. Finally, addition of 90 mg/kg RES enhanced (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, GPx1, and HO-1, and increased (P < 0.05) mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2, NQO1, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and cytochrome P450 family 1 member A1 (CYP1A1). These data indicated that supplementation with 90 mg/kg RES was effective in protecting the intestinal integrity, alleviating intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress by activating AhR/Nrf2 pathways in diquat-challenged piglets.

Galactooligosaccharide pretreatment alleviates damage of the intestinal barrier and inflammatory responses in LPS-challenged mice

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) have been identified as beneficial prebiotics for animals and human beings. Most studies have focused on the effect of GOS on the hindgut populated with abundant microbes. However, few research studies have been conducted on the small intestine, and many results are inconsistent due to the purity of GOS, commonly mixed with monosaccharides or lactose. Therefore, pure GOS with definite structures were prepared and used in the present study to evaluate their effects on intestinal barrier function, inflammatory responses and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced in the colon of mice challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results of 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectral analyses indicated that the main structures of GOS with a degree of polymerization of 3 (trisaccharide) and 4 (tetrasaccharide) are [β-Gal-(1 → 6)-β-Gal(1 → 4)-β-Glc] and [β-Gal-(1 → 6)-β-Gal-(1 → 6)-β-Gal-(1 → 4)-β-Glc], respectively. The results of an in vivo study in mice showed that intragastric administration of 0.5 g per kg BW GOS attenuated intestinal barrier damage and inflammatory responses induced by LPS in the jejunum and ileum, as indicated by increasing villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio, up-regulated intestinal tight junction (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1) gene expression, and down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α gene expression. Nevertheless, the protective effects of GOS on the intestinal barrier are independent of glucagon-like peptide 2. In addition, 0.5 g per kg BW GOS administration promoted the recovery of colonic acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total SCFA production reduced by LPS challenge. The obtained results provide practical evidence that pure GOS can act as protective agents for intestinal health.

Dietary Inclusion of Blood Plasma with Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Supplementation Enhanced the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Lactobacillus Count, and Reduced Gas Emissions in Weaning Pigs

This experiment was performed to examine the hypothesis that blood plasma (BP) with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplement in the diet of weaning pigs could provoke the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, and reduce harmful gas excretion. A total of one hundred and eighty healthy piglets were taken and assigned (complete random blocks) to three dietary treatments as: Phase 1: Treatment (TRT) 1-6% BP; TRT 2-3% BP + 3% yeast; TRT 3-6% yeast. Phase 2: TRT 1-3%; BP., TRT 2-1.5% BP + 1.5% yeast; TRT 3- 3% yeast. Phase 3: TRT 1- Control (CON) (Basal diet); TRT 2- CON; TRT 3- CON for six- weeks. Each treatment had twelve replicates and five (three gilts and two barrows) pigs per pen. Dietary inclusion of BP with yeast supplementation significantly increased the body weight of piglets during phase 2 (p = 0.003) and phase 3 (p = 0.032). In addition, TRT2 group piglets had a significant improvement in average daily gain at the end of each phase and overall (p = 0.047, 0.025, 0.018 and 0.012, respectively). At phase 3, TRT2 group piglets showed a significant improvement on nutrient digestibility of dry matter (p = 0.012) and nitrogen (p = 0.040). The fecal microbiota of TRT2 group piglets showed a tendency to increase the number of Lactobacillus counts at phase 1 (p = 0.07) and phase 2 (p = 0.06) as well as, a significant improvement at phase 3 (p = 0.021). In addition, TRT2 group piglets had trend to decrease NH3 (p = 0.074) and H2S (p = 0.069) during phase 2, and significantly reduced NH3 (p = 0.038) and H2S (p = 0.046) at phase 3. However, the fecal score of piglets remains unaffected during the entire trial. At the end of phase 1 piglets' IgG (p = 0.008) was significantly increased with the inclusion of BP with yeast supplementation. Based on the positive effects on body weight, average daily gain, nutrient digestibility, Lactobacillus count, and reduced gas emission, we suggest that dietary supplement with BP and yeast in the diet of weaned piglet could serve as an excellent alternative to antibiotics growth promoters.

Sodium butyrate in post-hatch feed for broiler chicks

ABSTRACT This study was designed to determine adequate levels for sodium butyrate inclusion in pre-hatching and pre-starter feed in order to minimize the negative effects of post-hatch delayed placement on broiler chicks. Newly-hatched chicks were allotted in a completely randomized design, with five treatments, each comprising five replicates of ten birds each. Five dietetic levels of sodium butyrate (control, 0.050, 0.075, 0.100 and 0.200%) were used in the pre-starter feed offered to the chicks in the transporting box and during the pre-starter phase. Performance, yolk sac retraction, plasma glucose concentration, weight and histomorphometry of the small intestine were evaluated after 24 hours of feed access and at 7 days of age. A metabolic trial was performed when the chicks were seven to ten days of age. Supplementation of 0.1% sodium butyrate increased the development of broiler chicks’ intestinal villi at seven days of age but was not able to improve performance in the pre-starter phase. Supplementation with sodium butyrate in a diet offered in the transportation box does not improve broiler performance in the pre-starter phase. Supplementation of up to 0.16% is recommended, in order to improve the metabolizability of the ether extract for broilers at seven days of age.

Towards Zero Zinc Oxide: Feeding Strategies to Manage Post-Weaning Diarrhea in Piglets

Simple Summary

Zinc oxide (ZnO) supplementation at pharmacological doses in post-weaning piglets is a consolidated practice that allows efficient control of post-weaning diarrhea (PWD), a condition exacerbated by Escherichia coli F4 (K88) infections. Far from being completely elucidated, the multifactorial ZnO mechanism of action is in all likelihood exerted at the gastrointestinal level. However, increasing environmental concerns are arising from prolonged ZnO use. This article reviews the utilization of ZnO in piglets, the biological rationale behind its powerful activity, and the emerging threats that are leading towards a significant reduction in its use. Finally, a wide analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of innovative alternative strategies to manage PWD at the nutritional level is given.

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) at pharmacological doses is extensively employed in the pig industry as an effective tool to manage post-weaning diarrhea (PWD), a condition that causes huge economic losses because of its impact on the most pivotal phase of a piglet’s production cycle. In a multifactorial way, ZnO exerts a variety of positive effects along the entire gastrointestinal tract by targeting intestinal architecture, digestive secretions, antioxidant systems, and immune cells. ZnO also has a moderate antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli F4 (K88), the main causative agent of PWD. However, the environmental impact of ZnO and new emerging threats are posing serious questions to the sustainability of its extensive utilization. To work towards a future free from pharmacological ZnO, novel nutritional approaches are necessary, and many strategies have been investigated. This review article provides a comprehensive framework for ZnO utilization and its broad mode of action. Moreover, all the risks related to pharmacological ZnO levels are presented; we focus on European institutions’ decisions subsequently. The identification of a novel, complete solution against PWD should be accompanied by the adoption of holistic strategies, thereby combining good management practices to feeding approaches capable of mitigating Escherichia coli F4 (K88) infections and/or lowering ZnO utilization. Promising results can be obtained by adjusting diet composition or employing organic acids, natural identical compounds, polyphenol-rich extracts, prebiotics, and probiotics.

Bacteriophage as an Alternative to Antibiotics Promotes Growth Performance by Regulating Intestinal Inflammation, Intestinal Barrier Function and Gut Microbiota in Weaned Piglets

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary bacteriophage supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, barrier function, and intestinal microbiota of weaned piglets fed antibiotic-free diet. A total of 120 weaned piglets were allotted to four dietary treatments with five pens/treatment and six piglets/pen in a 21-d feeding trial. The control diet was supplemented with 25 mg/kg quinocetone and 11.25 mg/kg aureomycin in the basal diet, while the three treatment diets were supplemented with 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg bacteriophage in the basal diet, respectively. There was no difference for growth performance and all measured indices of serum and intestinal tissues between 200 mg/kg bacteriophage group and the control group with antibiotics (P > 0.05). More importantly, compared with the control diet, dietary 400 mg/kg bacteriophage inclusion increased average daily gain and average daily feed intake, and decreased feed/gain ratio and diarrhea incidence of weaned piglets (P < 0.05). Also, piglets fed 400 mg/kg bacteriophage had elevated villi height (VH) in jejunum and ileum, reduced crypt depth (CD) in jejunum and ileum, and elevated VH/CD ratio in duodenum, jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, piglets fed 400 mg/kg bacteriophage had lower interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and higher interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentration in serum, and higher secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), intestinal trefoil factor (ITF), and tumor growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) content in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). Besides, dietary addition with 400 mg/kg bacteriophage decreased the D-lactate concentration and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity in serum, and increased the relative mRNA expression of ZO-1, Claudin-1, Occludin, TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9, as well as the relative protein expression of Occludin in the jejunum (P < 0.05). However, the growth performance and all analyzed parameters in serum and intestinal tissues were not further improved when piglets fed 600 vs. 400 mg/kg bacteriophage (P > 0.05). MiSeq sequencing analysis showed that bacteriophage regulated the microbial composition in caecum digesta, as indicated by higher observed_species, Chao1, and ACE richness indices, as well as changes in the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Tenericutes (P < 0.05). Collectively, 400 mg/kg bacteriophage can be used as an antibiotics alternative for promoting the growth of weaned piglets. The underlying mechanism is associated with a positive effect of bacteriophage on intestinal inflammation, intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota in weaned piglets.

Digestibility and metabolism of copper in diets for pigs and influence of dietary copper on growth performance, intestinal health, and overall immune status: a review

The current contribution reviews absorption and metabolism of copper (Cu), Cu deficiency, Cu toxicity, Cu bioavailability, and effects of pharmacological levels of Cu on growth performance and intestinal health of pigs. Copper is a micro mineral involved in metabolic reactions including cellular respiration, tissue pigmentation, hemoglobin formation, and connective tissue development. Copper is mostly absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the duodenum, but some Cu is absorbed in the stomach. One way to evaluate the efficacy of sources of Cu is to measure relative bioavailability where responses include tissue concentrations of Cu, concentrations of metalloproteins, and enzymatic activity of animals fed test diets containing graded levels of Cu. The requirement for Cu by pigs is 5 to 10 mg/kg diet, however, Cu can be included at growth-promoting levels (i.e., 75 to 250 mg/kg diet) in diets for weanling and growing pigs to reduce post-weaning diarrhea and improve growth performance. The consistently observed improvement in growth performance upon Cu supplementation is likely a result of increases in lipase activity, growth hormone secretion, and expression of genes involved in post-absorptive metabolism of lipids. The growth-promoting effects of dietary Cu have also been attributed to its bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties because Cu may change bacterial populations in the intestine, and thereby reduce inflammation caused by pathogens. However, further research is needed to determine potential interactions between Cu and non-nutritive feed additives (e.g., enzymes, probiotics, phytobiotics), and the optimum quantity of Cu as well as the optimum duration of feeding supplemental Cu in diets for pigs should be further investigated. These gaps needs to be addressed to maximize inclusion of Cu in diets to improve growth performance while minimizing diseases and mortality.

Effects of montmorillonite on the growth performance, immunity, intestinal morphology and caecal microflora of broilers

Context Montmorillonite (MMT), as a potential antibiotic alternative, has rarely been reported in broiler chickens. Aims The present study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary MMT supplementation on the growth performance, immunity, intestinal microflora and morphological features of broilers. Methods One-day-old male broilers (Arbor Acres; n = 240) were randomly assigned to the following four groups before a 42-day feeding trial: (i) basal diet with no supplementation (control group); (ii) basal diet supplemented with 0.1% MMT; (iii) basal diet supplemented with 0.2% MMT; and (iv) basal diet supplemented with 0.3% MMT. Key results The results demonstrated that supplementation with 0.1% and 0.2% MMT markedly improved the average daily gain of broilers compared with the control group. Moreover, supplementation with 0.1% MMT remarkably decreased the total viable count of Escherichia coli in the caecum of broilers. Compared with the control group, 0.1% MMT supplementation significantly elevated the concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A and systemic immunoglobulin G in the jejunal mucosa of broilers (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, MMT supplementation was associated with a greater villus height (VH) and a higher ratio of VH to crypt depth (CD) in the intestinal mucosa of broilers (P &lt; 0.05). However, in the duodenal and jejunal mucosa, dietary supplementation with MMT exhibited no significant (P &gt; 0.05) impact on the CD values of broilers compared with the control group. Conclusions This study showed that supplementation with 0.1% MMT could enhance broiler growth, increase the small intestinal VH and the VH:CD ratio, promote the intestinal-mucosa development, affect microflora population and improve immune function in the intestinal tract of broilers. Implications Supplementation with MMT could alter morphological changes in the intestinal villi, regulate microbial population and improve immune function in the intestinal tract, thus contributing to broiler growth. Our results indicated that MMT may serve as a natural beneficial feed additive for poultry gut health.

Supplementation of a low-energy diet with recombinant ferritin fromPerinereissp. can be beneficial to finishing pigs

A total of 90 finishing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of 50.02 ± 1.78 kg were used in a 10 wk experiment. The pigs were distributed into three dietary treatments replicated six times with five pigs (two barrows and three gilts) per pen. The treatment diets were a positive control (PC; high-energy diet), a negative control (NC; low-energy diet), and an NC + 0.05% ferritin diet (TRT1). The supplementation of ferritin in a low-energy diet tended (P = 0.06) to increase the BW at week 5 compared with pigs fed low-energy diets without ferritin. At week 5 and overall period, the gain-to-feed ratio of pigs fed high-energy diets was higher (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed low-energy diets. The pigs receiving a ferritin-supplemented diet had a comparable growth performance to pigs fed high-energy diets. At week 10, fecal Lactobacilli counts of pigs fed high-energy diets were higher (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed low-energy diets. The supplementation of low-energy diets with ferritin resulted in comparable growth performance to pigs fed high-energy diets and had no adverse effect on digestibility and fecal gas emissions. Thus, it seems beneficial to include ferritin in low-energy diets of finishing pigs.

Benzoic Acid Combined with Essential Oils Can Be an Alternative to the Use of Antibiotic Growth Promoters for Piglets Challenged with E. coli F4

Simple Summary

The use of antibiotics as growth promoters for swine must be minimized as it can promote resistance in microorganisms. Therefore, it is essential to search for alternative additives. This study aimed to investigate the effects of benzoic acid and a blend of essential oils (thymol, 2-methoxyphenol, eugenol, piperine, and curcumin) on the performance and intestinal health of weanling piglets challenged with Escherichia coli F4. The combination of benzoic acid and essential oils at 3 g/kg improved the piglets’ average daily gain and consequently their final body weight and it is an economically viable alternative to replace colistin. These results could have a great impact on society, contributing to the one heath concept and demonstrating the ability to replace antibiotics as growth promoters and thus minimize the chance of causing bacteria resistance.

Abstract

Benzoic acid (BA) and essential oils (EOs) (thymol, 2-methoxyphenol, eugenol, piperine, and curcumin) are being studied to minimize the impairment of gastrointestinal functions in weanling piglets. This study evaluates the effects of combining BA and EO on the performance and intestinal health of piglets challenged with E. coli F4 (1 mL, 10⁶ CFU/mL). In total, 270 weaned piglets were used in a randomized block design with six treatments: positive control, with 40 mg/kg colistin (PC); negative control, without the growth promoter (NC); negative control +5 g/kg benzoic acid (BA); negative control +2 g/kg combination of BA+EO (BA+EO2); negative control +3 g/kg combination of BA+EO (BA+EO3); negative control +4 g/kg combination of BA+EO (BA+EO4). BA+EO3 presented a greater average daily gain (ADG) (p = 0.0013) and better feed-to-gain ratio (p = 0.0138), compared to NC, from 21 to 35 days age. For the total period, BA, BA+EO3, and BA+EO4 were similar to PC and superior to NC for ADG (p = 0.0002) and final body weight (BW) (p = 0.0002). No difference (p > 0.05) was verified for diarrhea, microbial population, production of volatile fatty acids, pH, weight of organs, cellular proliferation, and cholecystokinin count. NC and BA+EO4 resulted in a higher villus height in the jejunum (p = 0.0120) compared to BA+EO3. The use of BA or the combination of BA and EO at 3 g/kg provides improved performance, aside from being an economically viable alternative to replace colistin.

Effect of torula yeast on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, and blood characteristics in weanling pigs

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that torula yeast may replace animal and plant proteins in diets for weanling pigs without negatively impacting growth performance or blood characteristics. In exp. 1, 128 weanling pigs (6.71 ± 0.76 kg) were allotted to four treatments with four pigs per pen and eight replicate pens per diet. Pigs were fed one of four diets from day 1 to 14 post-weaning (phase 1), whereas all pigs were fed a common diet in phase 2 (day 15 to 28). The four dietary treatments included a control diet with 5% fish meal, 2.5% plasma protein, and no torula yeast. The second diet contained 5% fish meal, 4.75% torula yeast, and no plasma protein. The third diet contained 2.5% plasma protein, 6% torula yeast, and no fish meal, and the last diet contained 10.75% torula yeast, no fish meal, and no plasma protein. The inclusion of torula yeast was calculated to replace the amount of digestible Lys provided by fish meal, plasma protein, or both fish meal and plasma protein in the control diet. During the initial 14 d, fecal scores were visually assessed. At the end of phase 1, blood samples were collected and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), peptide YY, immunoglobulin G, total protein, and albumin were analyzed. Results indicated that torula yeast could replace fish meal and plasma protein without affecting growth performance, fecal scores, or blood characteristics of pigs. In exp. 2, 160 weanling pigs (6.11 ± 0.62 kg) were allotted to one of four diets with five pigs per pen and eight replicate pens per diet. Phase 1 diets contained 0%, 10%, 18%, or 26% torula yeast, whereas phase 2 diets contained 0%, 8%, 14%, or 20% torula yeast. Torula yeast was included in diets at the expense of animal proteins and soybean meal. On days 14 and 28, blood samples were collected and concentrations of cytokines, BUN, total protein, and albumin were analyzed. Phase 2 gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) linearly increased (P < 0.01) as the concentration of torula yeast increased in the diets. The concentration of albumin on day 14 linearly increased (P < 0.05) and the concentration of TNF-α was linearly reduced (P < 0.01) as the concentration of torula yeast increased in the diets. In conclusion, under the conditions of this research, torula yeast could replace fish meal and plasma protein without affecting the growth performance of pigs, but inclusion of increasing levels of torula yeast improved G:F of pigs, which may be because of greater nutrient utilization.

Tannic acid prevents post-weaning diarrhea by improving intestinal barrier integrity and function in weaned piglets

Background

Tannic acid (TA) is potential to reduce diarrhea in weaning pigs, but knowledge about the influence of TA on intestinal barrier integrity and function is still scarce. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary TA supplementation on growth performance, diarrhea rate, intestinal barrier integrity and function of weaned pigs.

Methods

A total of 108 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) piglets, with an initial average body weight of 6.60 ± 0.27 kg, were allotted to 3 groups (6 pigs/pen and 6 replicates/group) in a randomized complete block design according to their gender and body weight. Piglets were fed the basal diet with 0 (control, CON), 0.2% and 1.0% TA, respectively. The trial lasted for 28 d.

Results

Compared with the CON group, dietary 0.2% and 1.0% TA supplementation didn’t affect ADFI, ADG and F:G (P > 0.05), but reduced diarrhea rate, diarrhea index and diarrhea score of piglets (P < 0.05), reduced diamine oxidase (DAO) activity and D-lactic acid concentration in serum (P < 0.01). The higher occludin expression and localization were observed in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum after supplementation with 0.2% or 1.0% TA (P < 0.05). Adding 0.2% TA to diet significantly decreased crypt depth, increased villus height/crypt depth ratio in the duodenum (P < 0.05), and dietary 1.0% TA tended to decrease crypt depth (P < 0.10) and significantly decreased villus height (P < 0.05) of the ileum. Moreover, lower malondialdehyde content in the ileum was detected in the pigs fed 1.0% TA (P < 0.05). In the duodenum, both 0.2% and 1.0% TA groups had higher occludin (OCLN) mRNA and 0.2% TA group had higher zonula occludens-2 (ZO-2) level (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, dietary 1.0% TA supplementation tended to up-regulate OCLN mRNA levels in the jejunum (P < 0.10) and 0.2% TA supplementation tended to up-regulate zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) mRNA levels in the ileum (P < 0.10).

Conclusion

In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 0.2% or 1.0% TA could effectively alleviate post-weaning diarrhea without altering growth performance in weaned piglets, which might be achieved by improving intestinal barrier integrity and function.

Effects of Zinc Oxide and Arginine on the Intestinal Microbiota and Immune Status of Weaned Pigs Subjected to High Ambient Temperature

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the l-arginine (Arg) inclusion and different doses of ZnO on the growth performance, intestinal microbiota and integrity, and immune status of weaned pigs. A total of 180 pigs (28-day-old) were randomly allotted to six treatments with six replicate pens in each treatment and five pigs per pen. The dietary treatments were Con (1.1% Arg); P-Zn (1.1% Arg + 2500 mg Zn as ZnO/kg diet); ARG (1.6% Arg); ZnArg1 (500 mg of Zn as ZnO/kg diet + 1.6% Arg); ZnArg2 (1000 mg of Zn as ZnO/kg diet + 1.6% Arg); ZnArg3 (2500 mg of Zn as ZnO/kg diet + 1.6% Arg). The overall result showed that the inclusion of ZnArg3 significantly improved the average daily gain of pigs compared with the Con treatment. There was a reduction in feed intake in pigs fed the Con diet compared with pigs fed the ZnArg3 diet at phase 1 and overall. At phase 1, pigs fed the ZnArg3 diet and P-Zn diet showed a decreased population of Clostridium spp. in the ileum compared with those of the Con treatment. In addition, a lower ileal Clostridium spp. population was detected in pigs fed the ZnArg2 diet compared with pigs fed the Con diet. The pigs fed ZnArg1 and ZnArg3 diets showed a greater villus height of duodenum compared with the Con and P-Zn treatments. The pigs in the Con treatment showed increased mRNA expression of heat shock protein-27 in the liver compared with the P-Zn, ZnArg1, ZnArg2, and ZnArg3 treatments. When fed the basal diet, mRNA expressions of interleukin-6 were increased in the muscle compared with the ZnArg3 treatment. Dietary supplementation with ZnArg2 decreased the mRNA expressions of interferon-γ in the muscle compared with the Con treatment. Supplementation with P-Zn, ZnArg1, ZnArg2, and ZnArg3 decreased mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) compared with the Con treatment. The mRNA gene expressions of interleukin-4 were decreased in the jejunum of pigs fed P-Zn, ARG, ZnArg1, ZnArg2, and ZnArg3 diets compared with pigs fed the Con diet. The jejunum gene expression of toll-like receptor-4 was upregulated in the Con and ARG treatments compared with the ZnArg1 and ZnArg3. The ZnArg1, ZnArg2, and ZnArg3 treatments showed lower mRNA expression of TNF-α compared with the Con treatment. In conclusion, there was no difference in growth performance, intestinal microbiota, gene expression of interleukins between ZnArg1 and ZnArg3 treatments. Therefore, the low level of ZnO (500 mg/kg) plus 1.6% dietary Arg may be recommended for pigs during the weaning stress.

Effect of the Single and Combined Use of Curcumin and Piperine on Growth Performance, Intestinal Barrier Function, and Antioxidant Capacity of Weaned Wuzhishan Piglets

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of the single and combined use of curcumin (CUR) and piperine (PIP) on performance, intestinal barrier function, and antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets. A total of 50 Wuzhishan piglets weaned at 35 days of age were randomly assigned to five groups receiving a corn–soybean basal diet (CON), the basal diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg piperine, 200 mg/kg curcumin (low-CUR), 200 mg/kg curcumin + 50 mg/kg piperine (PIP + CUR), and 300 mg/kg curcumin (high-CUR), respectively. The results showed that the feed/gain ratio (F/G) and plasma d-lactate and diamine oxidase activity (DAO) of the CUR + PIP and high-CUR groups were lower than those of the CON group (all P < 0.05), while the jejunum and ileum villus height, the villus height/crypt depth ratio, and the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of occludin, claudin-1, and zonula occluden-1 in jejunal and ileal mucosa were higher in the CUR + PIP and high-CUR groups than in the CON group (all P < 0.05). Moreover, the piglets in the CUR + PIP and high-CUR groups had higher serum and intestinal mucosa activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and lower malonaldehyde concentration than piglets in the CON group (all P < 0.05). The above parameters were not significantly different between the CUR + PIP and high-CUR groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the combination of CUR and PIP seemed to be as advantageous as high-CUR to piglets, but it was more effective than the single use of CUR and PIP. These data indicated that the basal diet supplemented with CUR + PIP or high-CUR could improve the intestinal permeability and suppress oxidative stress of weaned Wuzhishan piglets.

Probiotic bacteria maintain normal growth mechanisms of heat stressed broiler chickens

Probiotics have growth promoting effects even under periods of heat stress challenge. More information is needed to understand the mechanisms by which probiotics maintain the growth performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a probiotic based on Bacillus subtilis bacteria on growth related mechanisms of broilers under heat stress conditions. Specifically, growth performance, skeletal bone characteristics, skeletal muscles size, intestinal villus-crypt structure, intestinal bacteria, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), cholesterol, and glucose. A total of 1200 one day old Ross 308 male broilers were randomly distributed into 4 treatments, with 12 replicates per treatment and 25 birds per replicate. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was used; the main factors were environmental temperature (thermoneutral or heat stress) and diet (control or control + B. subtilis; 3 × 10⁷ cfu/kg of feed). From d 22 to 35 of age, birds were either exposed to thermoneutral conditions (21 °C) or chronic heat stress (30 °C). During the same period, each group was divided into 2 subgroups and fed either the control diet or the B. subtilis supplemented diet. The results demonstrated that B. subtilis had positive effects (P < 0.05) on the body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, villus height, crypt depth, villus surface area, absorptive epithelial cell area and viable counts of intestinal beneficial bacteria. B. subtilis increased (P < 0.05) serum GH, IGF-1 and maintain normal levels of cholesterol and glucose under heat stress conditions. In addition, broilers fed B. subtilis under heat stress conditions exhibited higher (P < 0.05) skeletal muscles size and improved (P < 0.05) tibia traits and lower (P < 0.05) abdominal fat pads deposition compared with the controls. B. subtilis had no effect on rectal temperature under thermoneutral or heat stress conditions. It is concluded that B. subtilis can be used as growth promoters in broilers, particularly during the periods of heat stress conditions.

Duodenal Histomorphological Changes in Broilers Administered poly d, l-lactic-coglycolic acid (PLGA ) Nanoparticles Encapsulated with Peptide

This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of poly d, l-lactic-coglycolic acid(PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with peptide (as vaccine) on histomorphological in duodenum of broiler chick. A total of ninety eight, one day old ,unsexed broiler( Rose) chicks were divided randomly into seven groups( 2 replicate in each group) as follows:G1-control,G2 - chicks received traditional vaccine of infectious bursal disease(Volvac@ IBD MLV) ,G3 – Chicks Received PLGA nanoparticles only, G4,G5,G6 and G7 – chicks were received prepared vaccine at 160, 80, 40,and 20 μg of peptide loaded PLGA respectively. At the end of the experiment histopathological examination of duodenum section and histomorphological changes were examined. The histopathological examination of duodenal sections shows an elongation and infiltration of lamina propria (LP) with increase villi height and crypt depth in groups that received PLGA alone and those received peptide loaded PLGA. At the same time these groups reveal an increase in mucosal thickness and in length and width of villi. The histomorphological examination in this study show thicker mucosal layer with deeper crypt in duodenum of broilers that subjected to PLGA administration alone or to different concentration of peptide loaded PLGA compared to G1 and G2. These findings are accompanied by a high density of goblet cells and lower villus hight/crypt depth (V/CD) ratio. All groups show mononuclear cells (MNCs) infiltration in submucosa ofduodenum. In-conclusion, the administration of PLGA nanoparticles is strongly linked to the improvement of the physiological and immunological features of the birds.

Efficacy of Mycotoxin Detoxifiers on Health and Growth of Newly-Weaned Pigs under Chronic Dietary Challenge of Deoxynivalenol

The efficacy of yeast-based mycotoxin detoxifiers on health and growth performance of newly-weaned pigs (27-d-old) fed diets naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol was investigated. Sixty pigs were individually assigned to five treatments for 34 d: NC (negative control, 1.2 mg/kg of deoxynivalenol); PC (positive control, 3.2 mg/kg of deoxynivalenol); CYC (PC + clay/yeast culture-based product, 0.2%); CYE (PC + clay/yeast cell wall/plant extracts/antioxidants-based product, 0.2%); and CYB (PC + clay/inactivated yeast/botanicals/antioxidants-based product, 0.2%). Blood and jejunal mucosa were sampled, and data were analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS with pre-planned contrasts. Deoxynivalenol reduced the average daily gain (ADG) in phase 3. Pigs fed CYC had greater overall ADG, average daily feed intake during phase 3, and gain to feed ratio during phase 2 than PC. At d 14, deoxynivalenol reduced blood urea nitrogen/creatinine and tended to reduce blood urea nitrogen. Pigs fed CYB tended to have greater aspartate aminotransferase than PC. At d 34, pigs fed CYC and CYB tended to have lower serum creatine phosphokinase than PC. Pigs fed CYE had lower blood urea nitrogen/creatinine than PC. In jejunal mucosa, deoxynivalenol tended to increase malondialdehydes and decrease glutathione. Pigs fed CYE and CYB had lower malondialdehydes, pigs fed CYB had greater glutathione and tended to have lower immunoglobulin A than PC. Pigs fed CYC and CYE tended to have lower interleukin 8 than PC. In summary, deoxynivalenol challenge (1.2 vs. 3.2 mg/kg) mildly compromised growth performance and increased the oxidative stress of pigs. Mycotoxin detoxifiers could partially overcome deoxynivalenol toxicity enhancing liver health, whereas CYE and CYB reduced oxidative stress, and CYC and CYB reduced immune activation. In conclusion, yeast-based detoxifiers with functional components as clay/inactivated yeast/botanicals/antioxidants had increased detoxifying properties in newly-weaned pigs challenged with deoxynivalenol, potentially by enhancing adsorbability, immune function, gut health, and reducing oxidative stress.

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

This experiment aimed to investigate the effect of different levels of zinc (Zn) and a probiotic on the growth and intestinal health of broiler chickens. One hundred ninety-two-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 6 groups. The birds were supplemented with Zn (30 and 60 mg/kg) and a probiotic mixture alone or in combination with Zn. The results revealed that the broilers receiving a probiotic mixture alone or in combination with Zn (30 and 60 mg) increased (P < 0.05) final body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and total goblet cell count in duodenum compared with the control group. Morphometry of the duodenum also revealed an increase (P < 0.05) in villus height (VH) and the ratio of VH and crypt depth in all the supplemented groups, whereas ileal VH increased (P < 0.05) only in Zn60 group when compared with control. Based on our results, we concluded that compared to the individual supplementation, the combined effect of Zn and probiotic mixture was superior in improving the growth performance and histomorphology of the intestine; however, the effect of two levels of Zn did not vary when combined with probiotic.