The effect of dietary supplementation of the broiler chicken diet with Boswellia serrata resin on growth performance, digestibility, and gastrointestinal characteristics, morphology, and microbiota

Modulation of Gut Microbiota, and Morphometry, Blood Profiles and performance of Broiler Chickens Supplemented with Piper aduncum, Morinda citrifolia, and Artocarpus altilis leaves Ethanolic Extracts

Bioactive plants such as P. aduncum, M. citrifolia, and A. altilis might improve intestinal health as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the ethanolic extracts (EEs) of these plants on the intestinal health of broiler chickens. Cobb 500 chickens (n = 352) were distributed into eight treatments with four replicates and 11 chickens each. T1 received a base diet, and T2 received a base diet with 0.005% zinc bacitracin. T3, T5, and T7 were supplemented with 0.005% of P. aduncum, M. citrifolia, and A. altilis EE in the diet while T4, T6, and T8 with 0.01% of the extract. The EEs were supplemented with drinking water from 1 to 26 days of age. The following parameters were evaluated: hematological profiles at 28 days of age, blood metabolites profiles at 14, 21, and 28 days; Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Lactobacillus sp. abundance in the ileum mucosa and content at 21 and 28 days, and histomorphometry of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum mucosa at 14, 21, and 28 d. Final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion rate (FCR) were evaluated at seven, 21, and 33 days of age. M. citrifolia and A. altilis EE at 0.01% increased blood glucose levels at 21 and 28 days of age, respectively, and P. aduncum and M. citrifolia EE at 0.01% increased triglycerides at 28 days of age; in addition, this EE did not have any effect on the AST and ALT profiles. The depths of the Lieberkühn crypts and the villi length to the crypt's depth ratio increased with age on supplementation with 0.01% M. citrifolia and A. altilis EE at 21 days of age (p < 0.05). In addition, the depth of the crypts increased at 28 days of age (p < 0.05) in chickens supplemented with 0.01% A. altilis EE. The 0.01% M. citrifolia EE in diet decreased in the Staphylococcus aureus population in the ileal microbiota (p < 0.05). The FW and WG during the fattening and in the three stages overall increased, and the FCR decreased; however, the FI and the carcass yield did not change in the broiler chickens supplemented with 0.01% M. citrifolia EE (p < 0.05). Conclusively, the M. citrifolia EE at 0.01% of the diet improved intestinal health and thus the performance indices of the broiler chickens and did not have a detrimental effect on any of the parameters evaluated, so it is postulated as a potential alternative to AGP in poultry.

Growth, carcass criteria, and blood biochemical parameters of growing quails fed Arthrospira platensis as a feed additive

This study investigated the impact of Arthrospira platensis (A. platensis) as a dietary supplement on growth, carcass criteria, liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and immunity of growing Japanese quails. In a 28-day experiment, 240 unsexed 7-day-old quail chicks were used. The quail chicks were divided into 4 treatment sets, each comprising 6 replicates and 10 quail chicks. Group (1) fed the basal diet with no supplements, group (2) fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.25 g A. platensis/kg diet, group (3) fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.50 g A. platensis/kg diet, and group (4) fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet. The results of this study revealed that the birds that were fed 0.50 g. or 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet had superior final body weights, body weight gains, feed conversion ratios, and carcass criteria compared to control, furthermore, had significant (P < 0.05) lower levels of liver enzymes and kidney function markers compared to control. Furthermore, birds fed 0.50 g or 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet had significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels compared to control. Dietary supplementation of A. platensis at 0.50 and 1.00 g/kg diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased total antioxidant capacity, total immunoglobulin, and lysozyme activity levels. Using A. platensis at 0.5 or 1 g/kg diet levels during the Japanese quails' growth period can improve growth, carcass criteria, liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and immunity.

Diet of Broilers with Essential Oil from Citrus sinensis and Xylopia aromatica Fruits

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of essential oils from the fruits of Citrus sinensis and Xylopia aromatica, included in broiler feed, on blood parameters, the biometrics of digestive organs, bone analyses, and the biochemical profiles of the viscera, as well as the histomorphometry of the small intestine. In this study, 180 one-day-old male chicks of the Cobb 500 strain were fed a corn and soybean meal over three treatments and six replications, and the experimental design was completely randomized. The data were subjected to an analysis of variance and a Tukey test at a 5% significance level. The effect of the experimental diets on performance, blood parameters, biometrics of the digestive organs, bone analysis, and biochemical profiles of the viscera, as well as the histomorphometry of the small intestine, were evaluated. The compounds identified in the essential oil of X. aromatica were sylvestrene, α-pinene, and β-pinene, while in C. sinensis they were limonene and myrcene. The essential oils of C. sinensis and X. aromatica had no significant effect on performance at 14 days. The effects of the presence of the essential oils of C. sinensis and X. aromatica on the response were beneficial: there were reductions in liver lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides, and in the depths of the crypts in the jejunum of chickens. So, the essential oils from the fruits of C. sinensis and X. aromatica can be used in broiler chickens to improve the lipid profiles of birds without affecting their performance.

Dietary Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) Oil Modulates the Growth, Intestinal Morphology, the Fatty Acid Composition of Breast Muscle, Immune Status, and Immunoexpression of CD3 and CD20 in Broiler Chickens

This investigation explored the impact of dietary frankincense resin oil (FO) on growth performance parameters, intestinal histomorphology, fatty acid composition of the breast muscle, and the immune status of broilers. We allotted 400, three-day-old, male chicks (Ross 308 broiler) into four treatment groups (ten replicates/group; ten chicks/replicate). They were fed a basal diet with different concentrations of FO (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg kg^-1). FO supplementation increased the overall body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) by different amounts, linearly improving the feed conversion ratio with the in-supplementation level. Total feed intake (TFI) was not affected. Growth hormones and total serum protein levels also linearly increased with the FO level, while albumin was elevated in the FO600 group. Moreover, total globulins increased linearly in FO400 and FO600 treatment groups. Thyroxin hormone (T3 and T4) levels increased in all FO treatment groups without affecting glucose and leptin serum values. Different concentrations of FO supplementation in the diet increased the activities of Complement 3, lysozyme, and interleukin 10 levels in the serum. Dietary FO in broilers increased the total percentage of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. It also increased the ratio of n-3 to n-6 linearly and quadratically. Additionally, FO supplementation led to the upregulation of immune clusters of differentiation 3 and 20 (CD3 and CD20) in the spleen, along with improving most of the morphometric measures of the small intestine. In conclusion, FO up to 600 mg kg^-1 as a feed additive in broiler chicken production is valuable for promoting their growth, intestinal histomorphology, and immune status along with enriching breast muscle with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).

Effect of feeding bioactive compounds identified from plant extracts (4-hexylresorcinol, 7-hydroxycoumarin, and gamma-octalactone) on the productivity and quality of broiler meat

Background and Aim

Secondary bioactive compounds of medicinal plants exert anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and metabolism-modulating effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding 4-hexylresorcinol, as well as its combinations with gamma-octalactone and 7-hydroxycoumarin, on the digestibility of dietary nutrients, weight gain, and quality characteristics of the meat and liver of Arbor Acres broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods

The following feeding scheme was applied on the chickens: Control, basal diet (BD); I experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol at 0.5 mg/kg of live weight per day; II experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone at 0.4 mg/kg of live weight per day; III experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol + 7-hydroxycoumarin at 0.1 and 0.15 mg/kg of live weight per day; and IV experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin at 0.05, 0.15, and 0.01 mg/kg of live weight per day.

Results

Chickens in I, II, and IV experimental groups at the age of 35 days showed superior live weight than chickens in the control group. Supplementation with all the tested additives, except the combination 4-hexylresorcinol + 7-hydroxycoumarin, significantly increased the digestibility coefficients of dietary nutrients. Supplementation with the combinations 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone and 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin significantly increased the amount of fat in the pectoral muscles. However, the mass fraction of fat in the thigh muscles of broiler chickens decreased in II, III, and IV experimental groups. The pectoral muscles of broiler chickens in experimental Group IV contained small amounts of lysine, tyrosine, histidine, leucine-isoleucine, methionine, valine, proline, threonine, serine, alanine, and glycine. Supplementation with pure 4-hexylresorcinol significantly reduced the levels of lysine, phenylalanine, histidine, leucine-isoleucine, methionine, valine, proline, threonine, and alanine in the thigh muscles. However, supplementation with pure 4-hexylresorcinol significantly increased the concentrations of P, Fe, Se, Zn, and B and decreased the concentrations of I, Ni, V, Al, and Pb in the pectoral muscles. Supplementation with the combination 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin resulted in the accumulation of Ca, Co, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn, and Li and a decrease in the concentrations of K, Mg, and V.

Conclusion

Supplementation with all the tested additives, except the combination 4-hexylresorcinol + 7-hydroxycoumarin, exerted a positive effect on the indicators of live weight gain and dietary nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. Supplementation with the combinations 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone and 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin increased the amount of fat in the pectoral muscles but decreased it in the thigh muscles. Supplementation with all the tested additives decreased the concentrations of I in the pectoral muscles and Zn in the thigh muscles in all the experimental groups compared with those in the control group.

Supplementation of Boswellia serrata and Salix alba Extracts during the Early Laying Phase: Effects on Serum and Albumen Proteins, Trace Elements, and Yolk Cholesterol

Extracts from Boswellia serrata (Bs) and Salix alba (Sa) are used as supplements in poultry feed. The aims of this research were to study the possible effects of dietary supplementation with Bs and Sa extracts on serum and albumen proteins, zinc and iron, and yolk cholesterol content in Leghorn hens during the critical phase of the onset of laying. A total of 120 pullets, 17 weeks of age, were assigned to two groups (control (C) and treated (T), n = 60 each). The T group received a supplement containing Bs (5%) and Sa (5%) for 12 weeks. The study lasted 19 weeks. Serum proteins were fractionated using agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and SDS–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE). Trace elements were determined in serum using atomic absorption spectrometry, and yolk cholesterol was determined using a colorimetric test. No significant differences were observed between control and supplemented hens for the analyzed biochemical indices. Moreover, the supplementation with phytoextracts did not negatively affect the physiological variations in serum proteins; therefore, it can be safely used as a treatment to prevent inflammatory states at onset and during the early laying phase.

Effect of fermentation of chosen vegetables on the nutrient, mineral, and biocomponent profile in human and animal nutrition

In the present study, the dry matter, crude ash, crude protein, ether extract, and energy, macro- (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P), micro- (Zn, Cu, Fe) minerals, heavy metals (Pb, Cd), vitamin C, A, carotene, and phenolic content were determined in chosen raw and fermented vegetables. The dietary intake of several macro- and microconstituents per one serving (100 g or humans and animals: ducks and pigs) was calculated. The fermentation process was found to reduce water and increase fat content in the vegetables. Lower levels of vitamin C and phenols were also found in the fermented vegetables. The vitamin A and carotene content in the fermented carrots and peppers were increased in comparison with the raw vegetables. The fermentation process decreased the concentration of some basic nutrients, mineral content, vitamins C and A, and phenols. Broccoli, peppers, and red beet had the highest levels of the analyzed nutrients and bioconstituents. The fermentation process is regarded by nutritionists as beneficial to human health. The addition of fermented plants is recommended in animal nutrition as well. This process modifies the chemical composition of preserved vegetables, e.g. it reduces the concentration of dietary fiber, and brings favorable effects in poultry and pig nutrition.

Boswellic Acids as Effective Antibacterial Antibiofilm Agents

Boswellic acids are biologically active pentacyclic terpenoid compounds derived from Boswellia sp. plants. Extracts containing these acids have a number of positive effects on human health, especially in the treatment of inflammation, arthritis, or asthma. With increasing resistance to common antibiotics, boswellic acid-containing extracts could serve as an alternative or work in synergy with commonly available preparations. This study aims to determine the effect of boswellic acids on suspension cells and biofilms of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect found was compared with commonly available antibiotics to control these undesirable microorganisms. The synergistic effect of boswellic acids and common antibiotics on the growth of these microorganisms was also determined. All tested microorganisms showed a positive additive effect of antibiotics and boswellic acid extract. The most significant effect was found in Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 in a combination of 0.2 × MIC80 erythromycin (0.2 mg/L) and 0.8 × MIC80 boswellic acid extract (16 mg/L).

Influence of Dietary Supplementation with Boswellia serrata and Salix alba on Performance and Blood Biochemistry in Free-Range Leghorn Laying Hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with Boswellia serrata (Bs) and Salix alba (Sa) in Leghorn hens during the critical pre-laying and laying phases. A total of 120 pullets, 17 weeks of age, were assigned to two groups (Control—C; Treated—T, n = 60 each). For 12 weeks, the T group received a diet supplemented with 0.3% of dry extracts of Bs (5%) and Sa (5%). The study lasted 19 weeks. Productive performance, serum analytes, H/L ratio, IgA and anti-IBV antibodies were investigated. Water intake was significantly higher, while body and egg weight was significantly lower for the T group (p < 0.05). No other differences were detected in performance parameters, serum analytes, IgA and H/L ratio excluding t0, with a significantly (p < 0.05) higher H/R ratio and higher titers of anti-IBV antibody for the T group. Overall, the data obtained in this study show that the supplementation with Bs and Sa was safe and resulted in an increase in water consumption, a decrease in egg weight, and a sedative effect in the hens. In the future, it would be interesting to test this supplement in hens reared on intensive farms.

Evaluation the Antibacterial Activity of the Brine, Nisin Solution, and Ozonated Water Against E. coli O157:H7 in the Experimentally Local Produced Soft Cheese

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of brine solution in compared to nisin and ozonated water treatments against E. coli O157:H7 in experimentally local produced soft cheese (ELPSC). A total of 25 raw cow milk samples were collected from farmers and local markets in Baghdad city and utilized to manufacturing 25 of ELPSC samples following the traditional procedure in rural Iraq without salting or heat treatment. Bacteriological analysis for potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination was performed and confirmed by cultural, biochemical, and serological tests. Antibacterial activity of brine solution (7% w/v), nisin solution (100 IU/mL), and ozonated water (0.6 ppm) was performed for positive samples after 2 h contact time at ambient temperature. Positive isolates of E. coli O157:H7 were detected and confirmed as 3 out of 25 cheese samples (12%), with initial average bacterial count of 6.146 log10 CFU/g. The initial bacterial count was significantly (P<0.05) reduced to 3.778, 4.380 and 4.544 log10 CFU/g when subjected to brine salting, nisin solution, and ozonated water, respectively. Cheese samples exposed to brine had a significantly (P<0.05) higher reduction in the bacterial growth than those exposed to nisin or ozonated water treatments for each alone. More effective reduction in E. coli O157:H7 bacterial growth was not observed when brining exposure time elongated at ambient temperature to 6 h. These findings may be useful in raising the public knowledge about the use of brine solution as a domestic antibacterial approach for minimizing the possible risk of E. coli O157:H7 contamination in the local produced soft cheese.

Enhancing the Productive Performance of Broiler Chickens by Adding Spirulina platensis Compared with Probiotic, Prebiotics, and Oxytetracycline

This study was conducted in order to find out the effect of Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) algae mixed with drinking water (2%) on the production performance of broiler chickens infected with or without Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and compare it with the effects of probiotics (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casi, L. reuteri, and Bacillus subtillis), prebiotics (containing antioxidants and a group of vitamins) as well as oxytetracycline. The experiment included 350 one day old (Ross-308) broiler chicks, randomly divided into 7 groups by 50 chicks per group for 35 days. The groups were divided as follows: T1: infected experimentally with E. faecalis only, T2: treated with S. platensis, T3: infected experimentally with E. faecalis and treated with 2% S. platensis, T4: infected experimentally with E. faecalis and treated with probiotic, T5: infected experimentally with E. faecalis and treated with prebiotic, T6: infected experimentally with E. faecalis and treated with oxytetracycline, and T7: control group without any addition. Weekly live body weight and weekly body weight gain were measured as well as weekly feed intake and feed conversion rate for broiler chickens were estimated. The current study proved that S. platensis algae added to drinking water (2%) in T2 and T3 groups had caused a significant increase (P<0.05) in the weekly live body weight and weekly body weight gain, Spirulina also caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in weekly feed intake and feed conversion rate for broiler chickens. Therefore, S. platensis could be a suitable alternative to some feed additives such as probiotics, prebiotics, and antibiotics in addition to the ability of Spirulina to reduce the symptoms of E. faecalis.

Effect of inclusion of micronized camelina, sunflower, and flax seeds in the broiler chicken diet on performance productivity, nutrient utilization, and intestinal microbial populations

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of inclusion of micronized full-fat camelina, flax, or sunflower seeds in the diet for broiler chickens on the performance productivity, nutrient utilization, and composition of intestinal microbial populations and to assess the possibility of modification of the resistance of isolated bacteria to chemotherapeutic agents with different mechanisms of action. The use of micronized oilseeds improved the broiler chicken body weight (P = 0.035) and the FCR value (P = 0.045) in the final rearing stage by enhancement of the utilization of total protein and organic matter. Lactobacillus-Enterococcus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. were isolated from small intestinal contents, and Enterobacteriaceae taxa were detected in the cecum and cloaca of the broiler chickens. The addition of micronized camelina seeds (CAM.IR) contributed to an increase in the Bifidobacterium counts in the small intestine, compared with the control treatment (P < 0.050). Escherichia coli bacteria were not isolated only in the CAM.IR treatment. Nitrofurantoin and chloramphenicol were the most effective agents against the isolates from the cecum and cloaca in all oilseed treatments, whereas streptomycin exhibited the lowest efficacy. In the CAM.IR and micronized sunflower seed (SUN.IR) treatments, there were higher counts of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole-resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains than in the control and micronized flax seed (FLA.IR) treatments (P < 0.05). There was a difference between strains isolated from the cecum and cloaca only in the FLA.IR treatment, i.e., increased tetracycline sensitivity was exhibited by strains isolated from the cloaca (13% vs. 50%), also in comparison with the control treatments (P = 0.054). In comparison with the CAM.IR and control treatments, reduced numbers of multi-resistant strains were found in the cloaca isolates from the for FLA.IR and SUN.IR variants. Micronized camelina, flax, and sunflower seeds can be used as part of an effective nutritional strategy focused on optimization of the efficiency of rearing broiler chickens, as they positively modify intestinal microbial populations and increase bacterial sensitivity to the analyzed chemotherapeutic agents.

β-glucan administration improves growth performance and gut health in New Zealand White and APRI rabbits with different breed responses

This study investigated the effects of oral administration of β-glucan 1,3 (pharmaceutical grade 10%) on growth performance and carcass traits in two breeds of weanling rabbits adapted to survive in Egypt, New Zealand White (NZW) and Animal Production Research Institute (APRI) rabbits, with special attention to relative mRNA expression of interleukins and antioxidant enzyme genes, biochemical, and histological alterations. Oral administration of β-glucan with doses 0.25 and 0.5 ml per one-liter of drinking water significantly accelerated body weight gain (BWG) in both rabbits' breeds, reduced total feed consumption (FC), and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR), especially the 0.5 ml per one-liter dose in both rabbit breeds. There are remarkable differences in all the growth performance traits due to breed effect. The interaction effect between β-glucan and breed significantly improved BWG, FC, and FCR. There were non-significant differences in all carcass traits studied due to oral administration of β-glucan with both doses, except in dressing percentages. The highest of the dressing percentages were observed at doses 0.25 ml per one-liter (51%) and 0.5 ml per one-liter (52%) compared with control (50%). Our findings show significant variations in the final BW, total daily gain, feed consumption, and total feed conversion ratio between NZW and APRI rabbits. Absence of significant differences in the hot carcass weight and dressing percentage between the genetic groups had been reported in this study. Supplementing NZW and APRI rabbits with β-glucan increased blood total protein and globulin. The duodenal villi dimensions, splenic lymphoid diameter, muscular fiber diameter, and muscular glycogen areas were significantly increased by β-glucan administration. Expression of intestinal interleukin-18 (IL-18) in NZW rabbits treated with 0.25 and 0.5 doses of β-glucan was significantly upregulated and enhanced the immune response. β-glucan upregulated the expression of intestinal occludin mRNA particularly at dose 0.5 β-glucan as well as upregulated intestinal superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), which modulates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In conclusion, oral administration of β-glucan at a dose of 0.25 or 0.5 ml per one-liter drinking water provided beneficial effects in the growth performance and health status of rabbits.

Effect of Dietary Boswellia serrata Resin on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, and Cecal Microbiota of Growing Rabbits

The present study aimed to examine the impact of dietary supplementation of Boswellia serrata (BS) (frankincense) resin on growth and carcass traits, blood hematology, serum metabolites and cecal microbiota of growing rabbits. One hundred New Zealand White (NZW) growing male rabbits (6-weeks old) were divided randomly into five groups using different levels of BS (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 g/kg diet, respectively). When compared to the control diet, daily body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of rabbits fed BS enriched-diets were improved, while feed intake was significantly decreased. A gradual depression (P < 0.01) in serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) were observed with increasing BS level the in diet. Total bacteria count, E. coli and salmonella populations were lower (P < 0.05) in rabbit groups fed diet enriched with BS than that of the control group. Based on these findings, the dietary supplementation of Boswellia serrata enhanced growth, feed efficiency, anti-oxidant status, and minimize cecal pathogenic bacteria in rabbits.

Gastroprotective herbs for headache management in Persian medicine: A comprehensive review

The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that exists between the brain and gut. Several studies claimed that some types of headaches are associated with various gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In Persian medicine (PM), physicians believed that gastric disturbances could stimulate headache and introduced some herbs for boosting gastric function as a therapeutic remedy for headache. Here we review the current evidence for the gastroprotective and antiheadache effects of herbs used in PM. Herbs used for their gastrotonic effects in PM were identified from selected Persian medical and pharmaceutical textbooks. PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were used to search for contemporary scientific evidence relating to the gastric and neurologic effects of these plants. A total of 24 plants were recorded from the selected sources included in this review, most of which belonged to the Rosaceae family. Phyllanthus emblica, Zingiber officinale, Boswellias errata, Punica granatum and Hypericum perforatum had the most recent studies related to GI disorder and headache, while current research about quince, rose, apple, hawthorn and pear was limited. Reducing Helicobacter pylori growth, gastritis, erosion of the stomach lining, hemorrhage and perforation, improving gastric mucosal resistance, antisecretary, antiulcer, antipyretic, analgesic, sedative, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, neuroprotective and antioxidant effects as well as improvement in memory scores were some of the gastrotonic and neuroprotective mechanisms described in the current research. These results confirmed that medicinal plants prescribed in PM may improve headache in patients through the management of GI abnormalities. However, further studies are recommended to investigate the efficacy and safety of the mentioned medicinal plants.

Immunomodulant feed supplement Boswellia serrata to support broiler chickens' health and dietary and technological meat quality

Supplementation of broiler chicken diets with resin rich in bioactive components, such as different boswellic acids, can improve the productivity, fatty acid composition, and technological parameters of produced meat. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of different levels of Boswellia serrata resin (BSR) supplementation in broiler chicken diet on fatty acid profiles in tissues and meat quality (physicochemical properties). The experimental Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments with 5 cages per treatment. The dietary treatments applied for 6 wk consisted of the control (C) and supplementation with 1.5 (BSR1.5), 2 (BSR2), or 2.5% (BSR2.5) of BSR resin. All the diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. The BSR supplementation had a positive effect (P < 0.05) on the share of polyunsaturated fatty acid in the sum of total fatty acids in breast and drumstick muscles and abdominal fat. In addition, the following dietary parameters of the meat were improved: n-3/n-6, saturation, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio. The addition of BSR to the broiler chicken diets increased linearly (C vs. BSR, P < 0.05) the physicochemical properties of the breast and drumstick muscles: water-holding capacity and cooking losses. The color parameter a* decreased linearly (P = 0.033) in the breast muscles of the BSR-treated broiler chickens (8.6 and 7.8% C vs. BSR2 and BSR 2.5).

Repeat oral dose safety study of standardized methanolic extract of Boswellia sacra oleo gum resin in rats

The oleo gum resin of Boswellia sacra Fleuck. (Burseraceae) is widely consumed for treatment of several diseases and disorders. To determine the effect of repeated administration of this resin on liver and kidney functions, three different doses of standardized methanolic extract were administered orally to rats for 28 days. Apart from histological studies and determination of biomarkers of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, other parameters of sub-chronic toxicity such as behavioral change, food consumption and change in body weight were assessed. The extract contained about 36.91% of total boswellic acids; of which 11-keto beta boswellic acid, acetyl-11-keto beta boswellic acid, boswellic acids (α and β) and acetyl boswellic acid (α and β) were found to be 5.81%, 1.91%, 21.92% and 7.27% respectively. Oral administration of the extract for 28 consecutive days did not show any sign of behavioral toxicity and did not affect food consumption or weight gain significantly. Determination of biomarkers of hepatic and nephrotoxicity revealed that extract was safe at the tested doses as it did not produce any significant change in the studied biomarkers except producing a dose dependent increase in serum total protein levels. The histological examination supported biochemical findings. To conclude, methanolic extract of Boswellia sacra doen not produce any significant toxicity to liver and kidney up to doses of 100 mg/kg body weight. The results contradict earlier reports that members of boswellia species produce organ toxicity in rats.

Effects of pulverized oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) on diarrhea incidence, growth performance, immunity, and microbial composition in piglets

BACKGROUND

Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom (POM) is an edible mushroom with rich nutritional components and vital pharmacological properties. The present study comprised 100 cross-bred piglets, weaned at 28 days old, who were randomly assigned to four POM diets with five replicates per diet and five piglets per pen.

RESULTS

POM supplementation (P < 0.05) decreased the incidence of diarrhea, and also increased the average daily feed intake and average daily gain of pigs. Fecal acetate, butyrate and propionate increased with the addition of POM. Interleukin-2, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, tumor necrosis factor-α and immunoglobulin A increased (P < 0.05) with the addition of POM. The 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the dominant microbial strains in the fecal samples, irrespective of POM supplementation. Shannon diversity, whole tree phylogenetic diversity, observed species and Chao1 analysis exhibited significant variation in species richness across the treatments. Principal coordinates analysis showed a significant (P < 0.1) increase in the microbial communities amongst all of the treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that the supplementation of POM in the diet of piglets might increase feed consumption, gut microbial composition and diversity, as well as short-chain fatty acids synthesis, consequently preventing the occurrence of diarrhea and increasing the growth of piglets. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative effects of n-hexane and methanol extracts of elecampane (Inula helenium L.) rhizome on growth performance, carcass traits, feed digestibility, intestinal antioxidant status and ileal microbiota in broiler chickens

In this study, the effects of dietary methanol and n-hexane extracts of elecampane rhizome (MEER and HEER, respectively) on growth performance, apparent ileal nutrient digestibility (AID), ileal microbiota, intestinal morphology and antioxidant status of the intestinal mucosa were compared in broiler chickens. In total, 450 1-d-old male chicks were allotted into five groups in six replicates of 15 chicks each. Dietary treatments included: a control, control plus 500 or 1000 mg MEER per kg diet (MEER₅₀₀ and MEER₁₀₀₀) and control plus 500 or 1000 mg HEER per kg diet (HEER₅₀₀ and HEER₁₀₀₀). Broiler performance was not affected by dietary treatments during the starter and grower periods. However, in the finisher (25-42 d) and entire (1-42 d) periods, an increase in body weight gain and a corresponding decrease in feed conversion ratio was noticed when birds received Diets MEER₁₀₀₀ or HEER₁₀₀₀. Also, considering the entire trial, the growth-promoting action of MEER was found to be greater than HEER. When compared with the control, AID of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract (EE) and gross energy (GE) were increased by all treatments, while the AID of EE and GE were also improved by increased extract level. Additionally, HEER groups had significantly increased AID of crude protein. The counts of Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. were suppressed while the number of Lactobacillus spp. increased in response to an elevated extract level. Meanwhile, the ileum of MEER groups contained lower numbers of Clostridium spp. and greater numbers of Lactobacillus spp. when compared with HEER groups. The duodenal and jejunal structures were not associated with dietary treatments. However, a decreased ileal crypt depth and an increased villus to crypt ratio were observed with addition of extracts, which was more intense with MEER. A lower malondialdehyde content and a higher activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were detected in duodenal and jejunal mucosa with increased extract level, and in jejunum, the antioxidant capability of MEER was found to be stronger than HEER. The antioxidant properties of the ileal mucosa were also improved in response to MEER, which was not observed after HEER inclusion. Overall, MEER seems to be a better choice of treatment owing to its more effective benefits on broiler performance, ileal microbiota, gut morphology and antioxidant ability of the intestinal mucosa.

Current Perspectives of the Chicken Gastrointestinal Tract and Its Microbiome

The microbial communities inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of chickens are essential for the gut homeostasis, the host metabolism and affect the animals' physiology and health. They play an important role in nutrient digestion, pathogen inhibition and interact with the gut-associated immune system. Throughout the last years high-throughput sequencing technologies have been used to analyze the bacterial communities that colonize the different sections of chickens' gut. The most common methodologies are targeted amplicon sequencing followed by metagenome shotgun sequencing as well as metaproteomics aiming at a broad range of topics such as dietary effects, animal diseases, bird performance and host genetics. However, the respective analyses are still at the beginning and currently there is a lack of information in regard to the activity and functional characterization of the gut microbial communities. In the future, the use of multi-omics approaches may enhance research related to chicken production, animal and also public health. Furthermore, combinations with other disciplines such as genomics, immunology and physiology may have the potential to elucidate the definition of a "healthy" gut microbiota.

Influence of Graded Levels of l-Theanine Dietary Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, Organs Histomorphometry, Blood Chemistry and Immune Response of Broiler Chickens

l-theanine is a water-soluble non-proteinous amino acid mainly found in green tea leaves. Despite the availability of abundant literature on green tea, studies on the use of l-theanine as a feed additive in animals, and especially broilers are limited. The objective of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the effect of different dietary levels of l-theanine on meat quality, growth performance, immune response, and blood metabolites in broilers. A total of 400 day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups using a completely randomized design; C-control, basal diet; 100LT-basal diet + 100 mg l-theanine/kg diet; 200LT-basal diet + 200 mg l-theanine/kg diet; and 300LT-basal diet + 300 mg l-theanine/kg diet. Results revealed that the intermediate level of l-theanine (200 mg/kg diet) showed better results in terms of body weight gain (BWG), feed consumed (FC), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) as compared with the other supplemented groups and the control. The live weight eviscerated weight and gizzard weight were higher in all l-theanine levels as compared to those of the control group. Increased weight (p ≤ 0.05) of spleen and bursa were found in group 200LT (200 mg l-theanine/kg diet). Concerning meat color parameters, values for yellowness (b*), and redness (a*) were greater in l-theanine-supplemented groups than the control. Supplementing broiler diet with l-theanine reduced (p = 0.02) total serum cholesterol contents while increased HDL. Further analysis revealed lower relative serum cytokines (IL-2 and INF-γ) and reduced mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in thymus, and IFN-γ and IL-2 in spleen in the treated group. Moreover, supplementation with 200 mg/kg of l-theanine improved antioxidant status in blood by increasing SOD, GSH-Px, and relative CAT levels. It is concluded that the optimum supplementation level of l-theanine is 200 mg/kg of diet because it resulted in improved performance parameters in broilers. However, higher levels of l-theanine (300 mg/kg diet) may have deleterious effects on performance and health of broiler chickens.

Growth performance, digestibility, haematology, biochemistry, and some humoral immunity blood parameters of broiler chickens fed different levels of Boswellia serrata resin

The study determined the effect of three different levels of Boswellia serrata tree resin (BSR) supplementation in diets for broiler chickens on the growth performance, selected slaughter analysis, nutrient digestibility, as well as haematology, biochemical and some humoral immunity blood parameters. In total, 200 1-day-old broiler chickens were assigned randomly to four treatments. The broiler chickens were fed diets containing 0 (C), 1.5 (BSR1.5), 2 (BSR2), or 2.5% Boswellia serrata resin (BSR2.5). The BSR treatments improved (P < 0.05) the feed intake and feed conversion ratio at breeding Days 22–35, but did not differentiate the nutrient digestibility in the diets. The best-quality carcass with a high proportion of muscles and low fat content (Control versus BSR diets, linear, P < 0.05) was obtained in broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with 2% and 2.5% BSR. The blood profile was affected by the BSR treatments. The lymphocyte count increased linearly in blood (P < 0.05) along the increasing amounts of BSR. The content of uric acid and aspartate aminotransferase activity in blood plasma decreased upon the BSR supplementation (Control vs BSR diets, linear, P < 0.05; and Control vs BSR diets, linear, P < 0.01, respectively). The resin of Boswellia serrata can be considered as a good botanical feed additive, which can have positive effects on the performance and health of broiler chickens.

Effect of Boswellia serrata Resin Supplementation on Basic Chemical and Mineral Element Composition in the Muscles and Liver of Broiler Chickens

Supplementation of broiler chicken diets with resin rich in bioactive components, such as different boswellic acids, could improve productivity, chemical composition, and nutritive value of produced meat. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of different levels of Boswellia serrata (BSR) supplementation in broiler chicken diet on the basic chemical composition and the Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Cu contents in the breast and drumstick muscles and liver. The analyses involved 200 Ross 308 chickens. The broiler chickens were fed with diets containing 0 (BSR0), 1.5 (BSR1.5), 2 (BSR2), and 2.5% (BSR2.5) of B. serrata resin. The supplementation of broiler chicken diets with 2.5% (BSR2.5) decreased linearly the ether extract in breast and drumstick muscles and the calorific value in drumstick muscles (P < 0.05). An increased level of Ca in the breast and drumstick muscles (control vs. BSR diets, linear, P < 0.05) and in the liver (control vs. BSR diets, quadratic, P < 0.05) as well as Mg in the drumstick muscles and liver (control vs. BSR diets, linear, P < 0.05) was noted in the BSR2 and BSR2.5 chicken groups. The BSR supplementation reduced Cu (in the breast and drumstick muscles and liver) (P < 0.05) and Zn retention (in the drumstick muscles) (C vs. BSR, linear, P < 0.05). B. serrata resin can be considered a good feed additive with a positive impact on the dietary value of poultry meat.

The natural feed additives as immunostimulants in monogastric animal nutrition – a review

Probiotics, prebiotics, and phytobiotics could be a possible solution as immunostimulants in monogastric animal nutrition. Beneficial effects of application thereof in animals are determined by many factors, e.g. the type of the probiotic strain, probiotic compounds, or plant species used as a supplement. A significant role is also played by the animal species, dosage, and the time and method of administration. The activity of these compounds is primarily focused on prevention of pathogen infections and, consequently, improvement of animal welfare. Probiotics compete with pathogenic bacteria by covering the intestinal epithelium mucosa, thereby interrupting pathogen colonization in the gastrointestinal tract. Supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, and phytobiotics can also induce positive changes in the intestinal morphology, e.g. elongation of villi or deepening of intestinal crypts. In a majority of cases, they also modulate the immune response of the host. They mobilise the cellular components of the innate immune system (macrophages and heterophils), which defend the animal organism against gastrointestinal infection. Another possibility is the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that modulate adaptive immunity or stabilization of the intestinal microbiome. The main target of immunomodulatory feed additives is reduction of local inflammation, enhancement of the function of the immune system, a substantial impact on the health status of livestock animals, and improvement of their health status and production performance.

The effect of Boswellia serrata resin diet supplementation on production, hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters in broiler chickens

Boswellia serrata resin (BSR), exhibiting a variety of therapeutic properties, is applied in Asian traditional medicine. These properties can be used in poultry production as well. Application of the resin as a phytobiotic in broiler chicken rearing can increase the productivity and improve meat quality. However, the optimum and maximum levels of BSR in broiler diets need to be assessed. The study determined the effect of different levels of supplementation of BSR (directly derived, unprocessed) in diets for broiler chickens on the production traits, selected slaughter analysis parameters, nutrient digestibility and selected hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters. In total, 200 1-day-old broiler chickens were assigned randomly to four treatments with five replicate cages of 10 broiler chickens/cage (five females and five males). The experiment lasted 6 weeks, and the broiler chickens were fed diets containing 0% (control), 3% (BSR3), 4% (BSR4) or 5% (BSR5). In the broiler chickens receiving diets with addition of resin BSR3 and BSR4, there was an increase in (P<0.05) BW gain, ether extract, ADF, organic matter and energy digestibility of the diets. Moreover, the best carcass quality with a high proportion of muscles and low abdominal fat content (P<0.05) was noted in these groups. The content of uric acid (P<0.01) and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (P<0.001) and alkaline phosphatase (P<0.05) in blood plasma decreased upon the BSR supplementation. Globulin content increased in blood plasma (P<0.05) along the increasing level of BSR. The blood immunoglobulin A concentration was only affected by the BSR treatments (P<0.05). It may be concluded that BSR can be regarded as a safe and effective dietary additive for broiler chicken.

Effect of sodium butyrate on performance, immune status, microarchitecture of small intestinal mucosa and lymphoid organs in broiler chickens

Objective

This study aimed to examine the effect of sodium butyrate (SB) on growth performance, immune status, organs weights, and microarchitecture of lymphoid organs and small intestine.

Methods

A total of 120, 1-d-old broiler chicks were distributed into the following four treatment groups: corn-soy based basal diet (BD) without supplement (control), or the same BD supplemented with 0.1 g/kg zinc bacitracin (ZnB), 0.5 g/kg SB (SB-0.5), or 1.0 g/kg SB (SB-1), respectively. Six birds/group were killed on d-21 and d-35, and samples were collected.

Results

Cell-mediated immune response at 48 h post-Phytohemagglutinin-P injection, and antibody titer against Newcastle disease vaccine and sheep red blood cells on d-35 was noted higher (p<0.05) in SB-1 compared to ZnB and control. Lower (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) was attained by the supplemented groups. Thymus and spleen weighed more (p<0.05) in SB-1, and bursa registered more (p<0.05) weight in both SB groups compared to control. On d-21, areas of thymus medulla and spleen germinal centers were noted higher (p<0.05) in SB-1 group. The villus height and villus surface area increased (p<0.05) in duodenum and jejunum in both SB groups on d-21, and in SB-1 on d-35, respectively compared to ZnB and control. On d-21, number of goblet cells containing mucins of acidic nature increased (p<0.05) in all the segments of small intestines in SB-1 group compared to control, and on d-35 in ileum compared to other groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SB improved growth performance and immunity as well as modulated morphology of lymphoid organs and gut mucosa in broiler chickens.