The association between microbial community and ileal gene expression on intestinal wall thickness alterations in chickens

Selenium nanoparticles promotes intestinal development in broilers by inhibiting intestinal inflammation and NLRP3 signaling pathway compared with other selenium sources

This study aimed to investigate how various selenium sources affect the intestinal health of broiler chickens. A total of 384, one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were weighed and randomly allocated to four treatment groups. The control diet was a basal diet added with: 0.2 mg/kg Sodium Selenite (SS-control), 0.2 mg/kg Selenium nano-particles (Nano-Se), 0.2 mg/kg Selenomethionine (SeMet), and 0.2 mg/kg Selenocysteine (Sec) as the treatments. The results indicated that Nano-Se and SeMet were effective in enhancing the villus height (VH) and the villus height/crypt depth ratio (VH/CD) in the jejunum compared to (SS) (P < 0.05). The inclusion of Nano-Se into the diets increased the mRNA levels of zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), ZO-2, Occludin, Claudin-1, and Claudin-3 compared to the SS diet (P < 0.05). The SeMet increased the levels of ZO-1 and Claudin-3 compared to the SS (P < 0.05). Moreover, SeMet upregulated the marker genes of intestinal enteroendocrine cells, stem cells, and epithelial cells compared to the SS diet (P < 0.05). However, supplementation of Nano-Se reduced the mRNA levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and IL-8 and the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the jejunum compared to the SS (P < 0.05). The Nano-Se and SeMet also increased the protein levels of CAT and SOD compared to the SS and Sec diet (P < 0.05). The number of the goblet cells and Mucin-2 (Muc2) levels were the highest in the Nano-Se group (P < 0.05). The protein expression levels of goblet cell differentiation regulator (v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog, c-Myc) were highest in the Nano-Se compared to the SS diet (P < 0.05). The Nano-Se decreased the mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3 signaling pathway-related genes compared to the SS diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our study demonstrated that Nano-Se and SeMet are better at improving the intestinal health of 21-day-old broilers. Additionally, Nano-Se demonstrated superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, promoting the development of intestinal goblet cells by modifying the NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Exploring the effects of varying levels of selenium-chitosan on production performance, egg quality, and immune health in laying japanese quail

The purpose of this research was to see how different levels of Se-chitosan, a novel organic source of Se, affected the production performance, egg quality, egg Se concentration, microbial population, immunological response, antioxidant status, and yolk fatty acid profile of laying Japanese quail. This experiment used a totally randomized design, with 5 treatments, 6 repeats, and 10 birds in each repetition. The dietary treatment groups were as follows: no Se supplementation (control group), 0.2 mg/kg Na-selenite supplementation, and 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mg/kg Se-chitosan supplementation. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved linearly in quails fed different levels of Se-chitosan compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Se-chitosan at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg demonstrated both linear and quadratic increases in albumen height, Haugh unit, and yolk color in fresh eggs compared to the control group. Additionally, Se-chitosan contributed to enhanced shell thickness and strength, along with an increased Se concentration in the yolk. Se-chitosan supplementation at different levels linearly and quadratically reduced coliforms (COL) while increasing lactic acid bacteria (LAB)/coliform ratios (P < 0.05). Se-chitosan supplementation linearly and quadratically increased the total antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and IgG titers (P < 0.05). It also linearly decreased the level of malondialdehyde in fresh and stored egg yolks and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase and glutathione peroxidase linearly, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) both linearly and quadratically in quail blood serum (P < 0.05). Additionally, supplementation of Se-chitosan at levels of 0.2 and 0.6 mg/kg linearly decreased the ∑ n-6 PUFA/∑ n-3 PUFA ratio in the yolk compared to the control group (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that incorporating Se-chitosan as a novel organic source of Se in the diet of laying quails can enhance production performance, egg quality, egg Se concentration, yolk lipid oxidation, microbial population, immune response, antioxidant enzyme activity, and yolk fatty acid profile.

Impact of feed additives and host-related factors on bacterial metabolites, mucosal integrity and immune response in the ileum of broilers

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of age, breed, and sex of broilers, as well as a probiotic or phytobiotic product on mucosal morphology, bacterial metabolites, and immune traits in the ileum of broilers. A total of 2,880 one-day-old male and female broiler chicks from two breeds (Ross308® and Cobb500®) were randomly assigned to 72 pens. Broilers were offered a wheat-soybean diet without (CO), or with either a probiotic (PO; 2.4 × 109 CFU/kg of Bacillus subtilis DSM32324 and DSM32325 and B. amyloliquefaciens DSM25840) or a phytobiotic (PY; grape extract, 165 ppm procyanidin and 585 ppm polyphenols of the diet) product. The trial was conducted with a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of diet, breed, and sex in a completely randomized design (6 replicate-pens per treatment). At day 7, 21, and 35, one chicken per pen was slaughtered for collecting ileal tissue to evaluate of histomorphology and mRNA expression, as well as ileal digesta to measure bacterial metabolites. Data were subjected to ANOVA (the main factors; age, diet, breed, and sex) and Four-Way ANOVA (interactions) using GLM procedure. Overall, the concentration of acetate and total short chain fatty acids reached the peak and lactate decreased to its lowest on day 21, but their concentrations at day 7 and 35 were similar (p > 0.05). Spermine, spermidine, and ammonia decreased after day 7, while putrescine and cadaverine increased after day 21 (p < 0.05). mRNA expression of cytokines, mucin 2 (MUC2) and claudin 5 (CLDN5) was similar; increased from day 7 to 21 and decreased afterward (p < 0.05). Villus height, crypt depth and villus surface area increased with age (p < 0.05). Acidic goblet cells (GC) number and density increased after day 21 (p < 0.05). Ross broilers showed higher D-lactate concentration and IFN-γ expression, while Cobb broilers had greater IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α expression and higher total GC number (p < 0.05). Female displayed higher villus height and GC number and density (mixed and total GC) than male (p < 0.05). The effect of dietary treatment was not found on any investigated variables (p > 0.05). In conclusion, aging of broilers affected ileal histomorphology, cytokine expression, and barrier integrity, as well as bacterial activity. These observed impacts could be attributed to host-microbiota interaction and the direct effects of bacterial metabolites on intestinal cells and immune system.

Effect of Selenium Nanoparticles and Chitosan on Production Performance and Antioxidant Integrity of Heat-Stressed Broiler

In this study, 336-day-old corn cob broilers were bought for the poultry experimental station during the months of May and June 2021. Before the arrival of chicks, the brooders, chick feeders, drinkers, humidity, temperature, and feeding management were controlled according to scientific patterns. These birds were randomly divided into seven groups and six replications of eight birds, viz. Group-A (positive control on basal diet only), Group-B (negative control on basal diet and HS), group-C (basal diet + simple Se 0.3 mg/kg feed), Group-D (basal diet + SeNP 0.3 mg/kg feed + HS), Group-E (BD + HS + chitosan), Group-F (BD + Se + COS), and Group-G (nano Se with chitosan 0.3 mg/kg + BD + HS). On the 42^nd day of research, two birds were selected from each replication and sacrificed after blood collection. The initial data related to feeding intake, live body weight, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were collected before slaughter. The intestinal samples were collected and immediately transferred to formalin after grass morphometry. The live body weight, FCR, feed intake, intestinal histomorphology, relative organ weight, and antioxidant parameters like MDA, SOD, and GPX were significant (P > 0.005) in all groups, with Group-G at the highest, followed by Groups-F, E, D, C, A, and B. Group-B (negative control group) was the most affected group in all aspects because of heat stress and only basal diet. It was concluded that heat stress highly causes a loss in performance, intestinal gross morphology, and histology in poultry, and increases stress conditions, whereas the selenium nanoparticle works to improve the body weight, FCR, and intestinal parameters.

Effects of challenge with Clostridium perfringens, Eimeria and both on ileal microbiota of yellow feather broilers

In the poultry industry worldwide, Clostridium perfringens has been causing major economic loss as it can cause necrotic enteritis (NE). The coccidial infection has been considered as the most important predisposing factor of NE caused by C. perfringens. In this study, we aimed to advance our knowledge on ileal microbiota of yellow feather broilers under C. perfringens and/or Eimeria challenge. Total of 80 healthy day old yellow feather broilers were randomly assigned to four groups including: Control, C. perfringens challenge group (C. Per), Eimeria challenge group (Cocc), and C. perfringens plus Eimeria challenge group (Comb). On day 14, the Cocc and Comb group broilers were orally gavaged 1 ml PBS solution containing 25,000 oocysts of Eimeria brunetti and 25,000 oocysts of Eimeria maxima. Starting on day 17, the C. Per and Comb group broilers were orally gavaged 10 mL of C. perfringens per bird (4 × 107 CFU/mL, ATCC® 13124™ Strain) every day for 6 days. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on extracted DNA of ileal digesta samples. The results showed that C. perfringens alone did not affect the alpha diversity of ileal microbiome in yellow feather broilers but co-infection with Eimeria significantly decreased the diversity of ileal microbiota. C. perfringens and Eimeria challenge also decreased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria including Bacteroidetes at the phylum level and Faecalibacterium at the genus level. At the species level, the relative abundance of Candidatus Arthromitus was significantly decreased in the Eimeria challenged groups. This microbial shift information of ileal microbiota under C. Perfringens and Eimeria challenge provide important reference data for the development of therapeutic approaches to necrotic enteritis in yellow-feather broiler chickens.

The Effect of Necrotic Enteritis Challenge on Production Performance, Cecal Microbiome, and Cecal Tonsil Transcriptome in Broilers

The objective of this study was to identify the effects of experimental necrotic enteritis (NE) infection on the production performance, gut microbiome, and cecal tonsil transcriptome in broiler birds. A total of 192 chicks were not-induced (control) or induced with NE. NE was induced by inoculating Eimeria maxima at 14 d of age and Clostridium perfringens at 19, 20, and 21 d of age. NE challenge increased (p < 0.01) NE lesion score at 7 days post-E.maxima infection (dpi), decreased (p < 0.01) average weight gain and increased (p < 0.01) mortality at 7 and 14 dpi. NE challenge increased (p < 0.05) gut permeability at 5, 6, and 7 dpi and increased ileal C. perfringens load at 5 dpi. NE challenge increased (p < 0.01) Eimeria oocyst shedding at 5, 6, 7, 8 and 14 dpi. NE challenge decreased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae and increased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Campylobacteriaceae, Comamonadaceae, and Ruminococcaceae at 6 dpi. NE challenge upregulated (p < 0.05) genes related to immune response and downregulated (p < 0.05) genes related to lipid metabolism at 6 dpi. It can be concluded that NE infection decreased beneficial bacteria and increased gut permeability.

Selenium Nanoparticles Improved Intestinal Health Through Modulation of the NLRP3 Signaling Pathway

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) play important roles in promoting animal health, however, their impact on intestinal health remains elusive. This study was intended to evaluate the effects of different doses of SeNPs on the intestinal health, especially the development of goblet cells in the broiler jejunum. A total of 480 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allotted to 5 treatments with 6 replications of 16 chicks each. Birds were fed with low selenium corn-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4 mg/kg of SeNPs. On d 21, dietary supplementation of SeNPs effectively reduced the mortality of broilers. The villus height and the villus height/crypt depth ratio of the jejunum showed significant quadratic effects with the increasing concentration of SeNPs (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), ZO-2, claudin-3, and claudin-5 in the jejunum decreased linearly with the increasing dose of SeNPs (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), IL-18, and the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the jejunum decreased linearly with the increase of SeNPs concentration (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the number of goblet cells in the jejunum was significantly increased by adding 0.1 and 0.4 mg/kg SeNPs(P < 0.05). In addition, the mRNA expression of Mucin2 (Muc2) showed a significant quadratic relationship that increased after adding 0.1 mg/kg SeNPs (P < 0.05). Dietary SeNPs also linearly reduced the expression of v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (c-myc) (P < 0.05). The mean density of TUNEL positive cells in the 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg SeNPs groups were lower than the control group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the mRNA expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1), toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) in the jejunum decreased linearly with the increase of SeNPs concentration (P < 0.05). Results show that supplementation with 0.2 mg/kg SeNPs may decrease intestinal oxidative stress and inflammation by modifying the activation of NLRP3 signaling pathway, which can effectively promote intestinal goblet cells of 21-day-old broilers.

Ileal Microbiota Alters the Immunity Statues to Affect Body Weight in Muscovy Ducks

The ileum is mainly responsible for food absorption and nutrients transportation. The microbes in its intestinal lumen play an essential role in the growth and health of the host. However, it is still unknown how the ileal microbes affect the body weight of the host. In this study, we used Muscovy ducks as an animal model to investigate the relationship between the ileal microbes and body weight and further explore the potential mechanism. The ileum tissue and ileal contents of 200 Muscovy ducks were collected for mRNA extraction and real-time quantitative PCR, as well as DNA separation and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. With body weight being ranked, the bottom 20% (n = 40) and top 20% (n = 40) were set as the low and high groups, respectively. Our results showed that in the ileum of Muscovy ducks, the Bacteroides, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were the predominant phyla with the 10 most abundant genera, namely Candidatus Arthromitus, Bacteroides, Streptococcus, Vibrio, Romboutsia, Cetobacterium, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Terrisporobacter, Escherichia-Shigella, and Lactobacillus. We identified Streptococcus, Escherichia-Shigella, Candidatus Arthromitus, Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Oscillospira were closely correlated to the growth of Muscovy ducks. Streptococcus and Escherichia-Shigella were negatively related to body weight (BW), while Candidatus Arthromitus, Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Oscillospira were positively associated with BW. In addition, we found that the relative expression levels of tight junction proteins (Claudin 1, Claudin 2, ZO-1 and ZO-2) in the high group showed an upward trend, although this trend was not significant (P > 0.05). The expression of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-2 and TNF-α) decreased in the high group, while the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 increased. Of course, except IL-2, these differences were not significant (P > 0.05). Finally, the correlation analysis showed that Escherichia-Shigella was significantly positively correlated with IL-1β (P < 0.05). These findings may provide fundamental data for the development of next-generation probiotics and assist the development of strategies for changing the gut microbiota to promote the growth performance in the duck industry.

Effects of dietary nano-selenium supplementation on broiler chicken performance, meat selenium content, intestinal microflora, intestinal morphology, and immune response

BACKGROUND

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient that is important to both animals and humans. Furthermore, scientists are increasingly interested in boosting the Se content of food products for human consumption, such as Se-enriched meat, because it has been shown to have a positive effect on human health. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of green synthesized nano selenium (GNS) on broiler chicken growth performance, meat selenium content, intestinal microflora, intestinal morphology, and immune response to sodium selenite (SS) as inorganic Se.

METHODS

A total of 360 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four experimental groups, each of six replicates of 15 birds. The experimental treatments were as follows: (1) based diet supplemented with 0.15 mg/kg of SS (control group), (2-4) basal diet supplemented with 0.075, 0.15 and 0.3 mg/kg of GNS respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed that different experimental diets had no significant effect on growth performance. Meat Se content increased with dietary GNS supplementation (P < 0.05). The birds fed dietary supplements GNS compared to SS had higher lactic acid bacteria counts and lactic acid bacteria/coliform ratios in ileum on day 42 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, as compared to SS, dietary supplementation of 0.3 mg GNS/kg significantly reduced coliform numbers in the cecum on day 42 (P < 0.05). Supplementation of 0.3 mg GNS/kg in the diet vs. SS at 21 days, there was a significant increase in VH/CD in the ileum and jejunum, as well as villus height and villus surface area in the ileum, and a decrease in crypt depth and epithelial cell layer thickness in the jejunum. Furthermore, at 42 days, birds fed 0.3 mg GNS/kg had higher villus height, villus surface area, and goblet cell density in the ileum and jejunum than birds fed SS (P < 0.05). Compared to SS, broilers fed 0.3 mg GNS/kg dietary supplementation had higher IgG at 42 days (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In comparison to the use of SS, it could be concluded that the inclusion of GNS as a novel Se source can improve meat Se content, intestinal microflora, intestinal morphology, and immune response.

Managing Gut Microbiota through In Ovo Nutrition Influences Early-Life Programming in Broiler Chickens

The chicken gut is the habitat to trillions of microorganisms that affect physiological functions and immune status through metabolic activities and host interaction. Gut microbiota research previously focused on inflammation; however, it is now clear that these microbial communities play an essential role in maintaining normal homeostatic conditions by regulating the immune system. In addition, the microbiota helps reduce and prevent pathogen colonization of the gut via the mechanism of competitive exclusion and the synthesis of bactericidal molecules. Under commercial conditions, newly hatched chicks have access to feed after 36-72 h of hatching due to the hatch window and routine hatchery practices. This delay adversely affects the potential inoculation of the healthy microbiota and impairs the development and maturation of muscle, the immune system, and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Modulating the gut microbiota has been proposed as a potential strategy for improving host health and productivity and avoiding undesirable effects on gut health and the immune system. Using early-life programming via in ovo stimulation with probiotics and prebiotics, it may be possible to avoid selected metabolic disorders, poor immunity, and pathogen resistance, which the broiler industry now faces due to commercial hatching and selection pressures imposed by an increasingly demanding market.

Effects of Total Dietary Fiber on Cecal Microbial Community and Intestinal Morphology of Growing White Pekin Duck

The current study was to investigate the effects of total dietary fiber (TDF) on growth performance, cecal structure, cecal microbial community, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) profiles in the cecum of growing White Pekin ducks. A total of 108 male Pekin ducks of 14-days-old were randomly allocated and fed diets containing 12.4, 14.7, and 16.2% TDF for 35 days. Each dietary treatment consisted of six replicates with six birds each. The results showed that 14.7 and 16.2% TDF treatments promoted growth performance relative to 12.4% TDF treatments (P < 0.05). A total of 14.7 and 16.2% TDF treatments significantly elevated villus height, the ratio of villus height to crypt depth and muscle layer thickness of cecum, and lowered crypt depth compared with 12.4% TDF treatment (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, 14.7 and 16.2% TDF treatments up-regulated Claudin-1 mRNA expression of barrier genes in the cecum compared with 12.4% TDF (P < 0.05). Butyrate-producing bacteria like Oscillopiraceae affiliating to the phyla Firmicutes were observed as a biomarker in the 16.2% TDF. Higher concentration of butyrate in the cecum was obtained in the 14.7% TDF compared with 12.4 and 16.2% TDF (P < 0.05). The concentrations of isobutyrate, valerate, and isovalerate in the cecum were significantly increased in the 16.2% TDF compared with 12.4 and 14.7% TDF (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the abundance of genus UCG-005 and Enterococcus was positive correlations with isobutyrate and valerate (P < 0.05). However, the concentration of propionate in the cecum significantly decreased in 14.7 and 16.2% TDF treatments relative to 12.4% TDF treatments (P < 0.05). In summary, increasing TDF levels improved growth performance, cecal histomorphology, and barrier function of meat ducks and it might be mediated by the changes of microbiota communities, especially bloom of SCFAs-producing bacteria, which facilitated the interaction between intestinal mucosa and microbiota.

Cecal microbiota contribute to the development of woody breast myopathy

The objective of this study was to characterize the bacterial diversity of cecal microbiota in broilers related to breast phenotype, diet, and genetic strain. Broilers from 2 genetic strains (120 birds/strain) were fed a control diet (15 birds/pen) and an amino acid reduced diet (15 birds/pen, digestible lysine, total sulfur amino acids, and threonine reduced by 20% compared to the control diet). At 8 wk of age, 4 male broilers with normal breast (NB, 1 chick per pen) and 4 male broilers with woody breast (WB, 1 chick per pen) were selected for each treatment (strain × diet). The DNA of cecal samples was extracted and the 16S rRNA genes were sequenced and analyzed. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the alpha diversity of gut microbiota between 2 phenotypes (NB vs. WB), 2 strains, or 2 diets (control vs. reduced). However, principal coordinate analysis plots (beta diversity) revealed that there were composition differences in samples between the 2 phenotypes (P = 0.001) and the 2 diets (P = 0.024). The most abundant phyla in all samples were Firmicutes, followed by Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. There were differences (false discovery rate, FDR < 0.05) in bacterial relative abundance between phenotypes and between diet treatments, but not (FDR > 0.05) between the 2 genetic strains. Selenomonas bovis (12.6%) and Bacteroides plebeius (12.3%) were the top 2 predominant bacteria in the ceca of WB birds; however, the relative abundances of these 2 bacteria were only 5.1% and 1.2% in NB birds, respectively. Function analysis predicted that the metabolic activities differed (q < 0.05) only between phenotypes. The microbiota of WB birds was characterized as reduced glycolysis and urea cycle but increased tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycles, sugar degradation, and purine and pyrimidine nucleotides biosynthesis. Further studies are needed to investigate if WB incidence could be reduced by regulating gut microbiota and the potential mechanism that leads to decreased WB incidence.