Dietary tributyrin improves reproductive performance, antioxidant capacity, and ovary function of broiler breeders

Effects of Supplementing Tributyrin on Meat Quality Characteristics of Foreshank Muscle of Weaned Small-Tailed Han Sheep Lambs

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing tributyrin (TB) on the meat quality characteristics of foreshank muscle of weaned lambs. A total of 30 healthy weaned Small-Tailed Han female lambs with body weights ranging from 23.4 to 31.6 kg were selected and randomly divided into five groups, and each group consisted of 6 lambs. The control group was fed a basic total mixed ration, while other groups were fed the same ration supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 g/kg TB, respectively. The experiment lasted 75 d, including 15 d of adaptation. Foreshank muscle obtained at the same position from each lamb was used for chemical analysis and sensory evaluation. The results showed that supplementing TB increased the muscle contents of ether extract (p = 0.029), calcium (p = 0.030), phosphorus (p = 0.007), and intermuscular fat length (p = 0.022). Besides, TB increased the muscle pH (p = 0.001) and redness (p < 0.001) but reduced the lightness (p < 0.001), drip loss (p = 0.029), cooking loss (p < 0.001), shear force (p = 0.001), hardness (p < 0.001), cohesiveness (p < 0.001), springiness (p < 0.001), gumminess (p < 0.001), and chewiness (p < 0.001). In addition, TB increased the muscle content of inosine-5'-phosphate (p = 0.004). Most importantly, TB increased the muscle contents of essential amino acids (p < 0.001). Furthermore, TB increased the saturated fatty acids level in the muscle (p < 0.001) while decreasing the unsaturated fatty acids content (p < 0.001). In conclusion, supplementing TB could influence the meat quality of foreshank muscle of weaned lambs by modifying the amino acid and fatty acid levels.

Butyric acid and prospects for creation of new medicines based on its derivatives: a literature review

The widespread use of antimicrobials causes antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The use of butyric acid and its derivatives is an alternative tactic. This review summarizes the literature on the role of butyric acid in the body and provides further prospects for the clinical use of its derivatives and delivery methods to the animal body. Thus far, there is evidence confirming the vital role of butyric acid in the body and the effectiveness of its derivatives when used as animal medicines and growth stimulants. Butyric acid salts stimulate immunomodulatory activity by reducing microbial colonization of the intestine and suppressing inflammation. Extraintestinal effects occur against the background of hemoglobinopathy, hypercholesterolemia, insulin resistance, and cerebral ischemia. Butyric acid derivatives inhibit histone deacetylase. Aberrant histone deacetylase activity is associated with the development of certain types of cancer in humans. Feed additives containing butyric acid salts or tributyrin are used widely in animal husbandry. They improve the functional status of the intestine and accelerate animal growth and development. On the other hand, high concentrations of butyric acid stimulate the apoptosis of epithelial cells and disrupt the intestinal barrier function. This review highlights the biological activity and the mechanism of action of butyric acid, its salts, and esters, revealing their role in the treatment of various animal and human diseases. This paper also discussed the possibility of using butyric acid and its derivatives as surface modifiers of enterosorbents to obtain new drugs with bifunctional action.

Whole transcriptome analysis reveals the key genes and noncoding RNAs related to follicular atresia in broilers

Broodiness, a maternal behavior, is accompanied by the atresia of follicles and the serious degradation of poultry reproductive performance. The comparison of follicles between brooding and laying hens is usually an ideal model for exploring the regulation mechanism of follicle atresia. In this study, we selected three brooding hens and three laying hens to collect their follicles for whole transcriptome sequencing. The results demonstrated different expression patterns between the follicles of brooding hens and laying hens. In the top 10 differentially expressed genes with the highest expression, MMP10 was relatively low expressed in the follicles of brooding hens, but other nine genes were relatively highly expressed, including LRR1, RACK1, SPECC1L, ABHD2, COL6A3, RPS17, ATRN, BIRC6, PGAM1 and SPECC1L. While miR-21-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-142-5p and miR-1b-3p were highly expressed in the follicles of brooding hen, miR-106-5p, miR-451, miR-183, miR-7, miR-2188-5p and miR-182-5p were lowly expressed in brooding hen. In addition, we identified 124 lncRNAs specifically expressed in the follicles of brooding hens and 147 lncRNAs specifically expressed in the follicles of laying hens. Our results may provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of the molecular mechanism of broodiness in broilers.

Effects of Dietary Bacillus coagulans and Tributyrin on Growth Performance, Serum Antioxidants, Intestinal Morphology, and Cecal Microbiota of Growing Yellow-Feathered Broilers

This study investigated the impact of Bacillus coagulans (BC) and tributyrin (TB) supplementation on the growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota of yellow-feathered broilers. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, 480 broilers were randomly assigned to four experimental diets, comprising two levels of BC (0 and 1 g/kg) and two levels of TB (0 and 1 g/kg), over a 36-day period. A significant interaction was observed between BC and TB, impacting the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers aged between 26 and 40 days (p < 0.01). BC and TB also displayed a significant interaction in relation to serum malondialdehyde levels and total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant interaction between BC and TB concerning the duodenal villus-to-crypt ratio, crypt depth, and jejunal villus-to-crypt ratio (p < 0.05). The addition of BC and TB significantly enhanced the richness and diversity of cecal microbiota, with a notable interactive effect observed for the abundance of Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus_torques_group, and Phascolarctobacterium. In conclusion, supplementation with BC and TB can effectively improve the growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota composition of yellow-feathered broilers, indicating the presence of an interactive effect.

Phosphoproteome Reveals Extracellular Regulated Protein Kinase Phosphorylation Mediated by Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase-Regulating Granulosa Cell Apoptosis in Broody Geese

Geese have strong brooding abilities, which severely affect their egg-laying performance. Phosphorylation is widely involved in regulating reproductive activities, but its role in goose brooding behavior is unclear. In this study, we investigated differences in the phosphoprotein composition of ovarian tissue between laying and brooding geese. Brooding geese exhibited ovarian and follicular atrophy, as well as significant oxidative stress and granulosa cell apoptosis. We identified 578 highly phosphorylated proteins and 281 lowly phosphorylated proteins, and a KEGG pathway analysis showed that these differentially phosphorylated proteins were mainly involved in cell apoptosis, adhesion junctions, and other signaling pathways related to goose brooding behavior. The extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK)-B-Cell Lymphoma 2(BCL2) signaling pathway was identified as playing an important role in regulating cell apoptosis. The phosphorylation levels of ERK proteins were significantly lower in brooding geese than in laying geese, and the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) was downregulated. Overexpression of MEK led to a significant increase in ERK phosphorylation and BCL2 transcription in H2O2-induced granulosa cells (p < 0.05), partially rescuing cell death. Conversely, granulosa cells receiving MEK siRNA exhibited the opposite trend. In conclusion, geese experience significant oxidative stress and granulosa cell apoptosis during brooding, with downregulated MEK expression, decreased phosphorylation of ERK protein, and inhibited expression of BCL2.

Analysis of growth performance and carcass and meat quality of different crossbreeds of Cherry Valley duck

Duck breeding and production are facing great opportunities in China, as the market for small-sized high-quality duck is rapidly expanding. Therefore, breeding the most suitable genetic stock has become an important goal.This study assessed body and carcass weight, slaughter rate and meat quality of offspring of three cross combinations; Cherry Valley duck (CV♂) × Small-sized Pekin duck (PK♀), CV♂×Taiwan white duck (TW♀), CV♂×Putian white duck (PT♀) and the corresponding pure lines at 56 d of age. These 420 ducks were raised in seven separate groups (10 pens/group, 3♂+3♀/pen).Body and carcass weights were significantly lower in the three cross combinations than CV ducks (P=0.042 and P=0.012). Abdominal fat and sebum weight were lowest in CV♂×PK♀, whereas the breast and the leg muscle weights were significantly higher in CV♂×PK♀ compared to CV♂×TW♀ and CV♂×PT♀ (P=0.018 and P=0.023). No difference was observed in the visceral tissues among the three cross combinations or compared to CV ducks.The performance indicators suggested that CV♂×PK♀, CV♂×TW♀ and CV♂×PT♀ cross combinations are best suited for segmented duck meat, featured duck meat and whole-duck processing, respectively.

Maternal tributyrin supplementation in late pregnancy and lactation improves offspring immunity, gut microbiota, and diarrhea rate in a sow model

Introduction

Several studies have evaluated the effects of tributyrin on sow reproductive performance; however, none of these studies have investigated the effects of tributyrin on sow gut microbiota and its potential interactions with immune systems and milk composition. Therefore, we speculated that tributyrin, the combination of butyrate and mono-butyrin without odor, would reach the hindgut and affect the intestinal microbiota composition and play a better role in regulating sow reproductive performance, gut flora, and health.

Methods

Thirty sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (CON) and the tributyrin group (TB), which received basal diet supplemented with 0.05% tributyrin. The experimental period lasted for 35 days from late pregnancy to lactation.

Results

The results showed that TB supplementation significantly shortened the total parturition time and reduced the diarrhea rate in suckling piglets. On day 20 of lactation, the milk fat and protein levels increased by 9 and 4%, respectively. TB supplementation significantly improved the digestibility of dry material, gross energy, and crude fat in the sow diet, but had no significant effect on crude protein digestibility. Furthermore, TB supplementation increased the levels of IL-10, IL-6, and IgA in the blood of weaned piglets, but had no effect on maternal immunity. Analysis of the fecal microbial composition revealed that the addition of TB during late gestation and lactation increased the microbiota diversity in sows and piglets. At the phylum level, sows in the TB group had a slight increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Spirochaetota and a decrease in Firmicutes. At the order level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillales was increased in piglets and sows, and the TB group showed increased relative abundance of Enterobacterales and significantly decreased relative abundance of Oscillospirales in piglets. At family level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae, Oscillospiraceae, and Christensenellaceae increased in sows, and the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae increased in piglets. At genus level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased in sows and piglets, but the relative abundance of Subdoligranulum and Eubacterium_fissicatena_group decreased in piglets in the TB group.

Discussion

In conclusion, tributyrin supplementation shortened the farrowing duration and reduced the diarrhea rate of piglets by improving the inflammatory response and composition of gut microbiota in piglets and sows.

Short Communication: effect of sodium butyrate, monensin, and butyric acid on the viability of Eimeria bovis sporozoites and their degree of damage to a bovine epithelial cell line

This study aimed to determine the viability of sporozoites from Eimeria bovis when exposed to sodium butyrate (SB), monensin (MON), or butyric acid (BA), and to determine the effects of SB on sporozoite invasion of cells in comparison to MON as measured by the damage to a bovine epithelial cell line. To determine viability, isolated sporozoites were suspended in one of four treatments: control (CON) of cell culture medium alone, SB = 0.028 mg/mL suspended in control medium, MON = 0.01 mg/mL suspended in CON, and BA = 0.18 mg/mL suspended in CON. The number of live sporozoites was less for the MON and BA treatments compared to the CON and SB treatments. The number of dead sporozoites was similar regardless of treatment. There was a trend for treatment to affect the percent sporozoite viability. Control, SB and BA treatments were similar, while MON compared to control and SB had decreased percent viability. Results for MON, when compared to BA, were similar for percent viability. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was used to determine cellular damage to Madin Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) cells when exposed to E. bovis sporozoites in vitro. Cells were exposed to similar numbers of sporozoites and treated with: CON, SB = 0.028 mg/mL in control medium, MON = 0.01 mg/mL in control medium. Control LDH result (with sporozoites) was greater than both the SB and MON treatments while the LDH for SB and Mon and cells not exposed to sporozoites were similar. SB and MON were both shown to decrease cellular damage to MDBK cells as determined by decreased LDH release. SB has the potential to act as an anticoccidial alternative to MON.

Effects of Tributyrin Supplementation on Liver Fat Deposition, Lipid Levels and Lipid Metabolism-Related Gene Expression in Broiler Chickens

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of tributyrin supplementation on liver fat metabolism in broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty broilers were randomly allocated into two experimental groups (6 replicates per treatment; 20 chickens in each replicate): the control group (CN), which received a basal diet, and the tributyrin group (TB), which received a basal diet supplemented with 1 g/kg of tributyrin. The experimental period lasted 37 days. The results showed that in the liver, broilers supplemented with tributyrin had higher content of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p < 0.05). Liver hepatic lipase (HL), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and total lipid (TL) activity were significantly lower than in the TB group than that in the NC group. Meanwhile, the diet supplemented with tributyrin had more lipid droplets than the NC group, whereas the TB and NC groups showed no histological abnormalities in the liver. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α (PPARα), proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), LPL and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) in the liver were significantly upregulated in the TB group (p < 0.05), while those of the long-chain acyl-CoA-synthetase 1 (ACSL1) mRNA between the TB group and the NC group were not different (p > 0.05). These findings indicated that the diet supplemented with tributyrin could increase fat deposition appropriately by promoting fat synthesis without causing liver tissue damage, which demonstrated that tributyrin can be considered a valid feed additive for broiler chickens.

Effect of Tributyrin on Growth Performance and Pathway by which Tributyrin Regulates Oligopeptide Transporter 1 in Juvenile Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

Simple Summary

Oligopeptide transporter 1 (PepT1) plays a role in the transportation and absorption of oligopeptides, which is an important part of protein nutrition and affects the growth of animals. Tributyrin (TB), the precursor of butyrate, exhibits similar functions to those of the butyrate in intestinal nutrients absorption. The analysis of TB on the growth of grass carp and its regulation pathway on PepT1 may help us to better understand the functions of TB and oligopeptide transportation via PepT1, which can be modulated by diet. In this study, we demonstrated that an appropriate level of tributyrin supplementation in the diet promoted the growth of juvenile grass carp and elevated the expressions of caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2), specificity protein 1 (SP1), and PepT1 in the grass carp intestine and primary intestine cell. In addition, CDX2 and SP1 regulating the expression of PepT1 was investigated. Finally, CDX2/SP1-mediating tributyrin regulation on PepT1 was elucidated. This study verified the effect of tributyrin on the growth of juvenile grass carp and clarified the tributyrin regulation pathway on CDX2/SP1-PepT1.

Abstract

The nutritional functions of tributyrin (TB) have been extensively studied, but questions remain regarding its influence on the growth of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) and the regulation pathway to PepT1 in the intestine of grass carp. To answer the remaining questions, feeding trials, cell trials, and peritoneal injection trials were conducted in this study. The results showed that an appropriate level of TB (0.5 g/kg and 1.0 g/kg) supplementation in feed significantly promoted the growth performance of juvenile grass carp. The expressions of intestine genes (CDX2, SP1 and PepT1) related to oligopeptide transportation increased in the 0.5 g/kg TB group of feeding trials and both the 5 mM and 10 mM TB groups of the intestine cell trials, respectively. Subsequently, the injection trials of inhibitors CDX2 and SP1 demonstrated that the inhibition of CDX2 or SP1 decreased the mRNA expression of PepT1. Finally, the results of independent or combined treatments of TB and the inhibitors suggested that CDX2/SP1 mediated TB regulation on PepT1. These findings may help us to better understand the functions of TB on growth and PepT1 oligopeptide transportation, which could be modulated by dietary TB through the CDX2/SP1-PepT1 pathway in juvenile grass carp.

Effects of Chitosan Oligosaccharide on Production Performance, Egg Quality and Ovarian Function in Laying Hens with Fatty Liver Syndrome

Simple Summary

Fatty liver syndrome (FLS) often occurs in caged laying hens and can cause decreases in production performance. Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), degraded from chitin or chitosan, has been demonstrated to prevent metabolic diseases in rodents. In this work, we found that dietary COS supplementation could improve production performance and egg quality in laying hens with FLS. Further study indicated that improved ovarian morphology and function may be involved in these beneficial effects of COS. Specifically, dietary COS supplementation decreased oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in the ovaries of laying hens with FLS. This study provides evidence for the application of COS to improve production performance and egg quality in laying hens with FLS.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the role of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) as an additive in the feed of laying hens with fatty liver syndrome (FLS). Effects on production performance, egg quality as well as ovarian function were determined. A total of 360 Lohmann Pink-shell laying hens (28 weeks old) were randomly assigned to 5 groups (6 replicates × 12 birds). Hens were fed with a basal diet and a high-energy low-protein (HELP) diet supplemented with 0, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg COS. COS reversed the lowered laying rates, increased feed-to-egg ratios and decreased albumen heights and Haugh units induced by the HELP diet. Additionally, COS improved the ovarian morphologies damaged by the HELP diet. Furthermore, COS enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced malonaldehyde levels and downregulated the mRNA expressions of nuclear factor kappa B, pro-inflammation cytokine genes and pro-apoptosis-related genes, while it upregulated the mRNA expression of anti-apoptosis-related genes in the ovaries of HELP-diet-fed hens. These findings suggested that dietary COS supplementation could improve production performance and egg quality in laying hens with FLS, and these beneficial effects were linked to improved ovarian morphology, which was attributed to decreased oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in the ovaries.

Effects of Dietary Glycerol Monobutyrate Supplementation on Egg Performance, Biochemical Indices, and Gut Microbiota of Aged Hens

This experiment aimed to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with glycerol monobutyrate (GMB) on egg-laying performance, biochemical indicators, and gut microflora at the late stage of laying hens. A total of 252 healthy Dawu Golden Phoenix laying hens with no difference in body weight were selected and randomly divided into two groups: (1) control group (CG), corn-soybean meal diet, (2) 500 mg glycerol monobutyrate/kg added to the basal diet. Six replicates were set up for each treatment group, with 21 birds per replicate. The trial started at week 55 and lasted for 8 weeks. Compared to the control group, the supplementation with GMB increased egg weight (P = 0.03), shell thickness (P = 0.03) and decreased egg breaking rate (P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in egg production rate, feed-to-egg ratio, egg shape index, eggshell strength, and Haugh unit between the two groups. In addition, dietary GMB decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.03) and total bilirubin (P = 0.02) in serum, and increased total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.03) and total superoxide dismutase (P = 0.02). However, alpha diversity indices (Ace, Chao1, Shannon, Simpson, goods_coverage, and PD_whole tree) were not different between the two groups. Notably, dietary GMB significantly decreased the abundances of Proteobacteria at the phylum level and the abundances of Enterobacter at the genus level (P &lt; 0.01), but there was no significant difference in the composition of other cecal microbiota. In summary, the present study revealed that supplementation with 500 mg/kg glycerol monobutyrate improved egg weight, eggshell quality, and antioxidant capacity in serum, but its effect on cecal microbiota composition was limited.

Effects of Dietary Tributyrin on Growth Performance, Biochemical Indices, and Intestinal Microbiota of Yellow-Feathered Broilers

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tributyrin on growth performance, biochemical indices and intestinal microbiota of yellow-feathered broilers. 360 one-day-old chicks were randomly allocated to three treatments with six replicates of 20 chicks each, including a normal control group (NC), an antibiotic group (PC), and a tributyrin (250 mg/kg) group (TB) for 63 days. The results showed that compared with the control, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the TB group decreased during the d22 to d42 (p < 0.05) and overall, the final weight and FCR of broilers tended to increase and decrease, respectively. Moreover, the TB group showed the highest creatine concentrations at the entire period (p < 0.05). TB treatment increased the Bacteroidetes relative abundance and decreased Firmicutes. Principal coordinates analysis yielded clear clustering of the three groups. Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis found seven differentially abundant taxa in the TB group, including several members of Bacteroidedetes. The relative abundance of Eisenbergiella, Phascolarctobacterium, Megasphaera and Intestinimonas increased in tributyrin-treated broilers. Spearman correlation analysis identified a correlation between Eisenbergiella abundance and overall feed efficiency. These results demonstrated that tributyrin could improve the growth performance by modulating blood biochemical indices and the cecal microflora composition of broilers.