Effect of Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch) polysaccharide on Growth Performance, Immune Function, and Gut microflora of Broiler Chickens

The baicalein amorphous solid dispersion to enhance the dissolution and bioavailability and effects on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and intestinal flora in Taihang chickens

Baicalein (BAI) is a natural flavonoid with antioxidant, antitumor and antibacterial properties. However, the bioavailability of BAI was limited due to low solubility. This study aims to improve the solubility of BAI through the amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) and evaluate changes in its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in Taihang chickens. Polyethylene caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol grafted copolymer (Soluplus) was chosen as the carrier, and ASD was prepared by rotary evaporation and was characterized by powder X-ray diffractions (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). In vitro dissolution assays were used to screen the optimal ratio of drug to carrier, in vivo pharmacokinetic assays were conducted to investigate the promoting effect on the absorption. In addition, the effects of ASD on the growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and intestinal flora were investigated. ASD (1:9 and 2:8) did not exhibit crystal diffraction peaks of BAI in PXRD or endothermic peaks in DSC, indicating the successful preparation of ASD. The results of in vitro dissolution assay showed that the cumulative dissolution rate of ASD (2:8) within 600 min was 52.67%, which was 7.84-fold higher than BAI. The pharmacokinetic results showed that the peak concentration (Cmax) and the area under the drug-time curve (AUC0∼24) of ASD (2:8) was (5.20 ± 0.82) μg/mL and (17.03 ± 0.67) μg·h/mL, which was 1.91 and 2.64-fold higher than BAI, respectively. Dietary supplementation of BAI and ASD could increase average daily gain (ADG), while decrease feed conversion ratio (FCR), but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). The drip loss of BAIASD group was lower than BAI group (P < 0.05). In addition, the antioxidant capacity of Taihang chickens were enhanced, the diversity and the abundance of beneficial bacteria was improved. Results of BAI upon the dietary supplementation tested in Taihang chickens, after preparation of ASD, indicating a superior enhancement effect in growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and intestinal flora due to an improved solubility and optimized bioavailability.

Prebiotic characteristics of degraded polysaccharides from Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide on broilers gut microbiota based on in vitro digestion and fecal fermentation

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low molecular weight Acanthopanax polysaccharides on simulated digestion, probiotics, and intestinal flora of broilers in vitro. The experiments were carried out by H2O2-Vc degradation of Acanthopanax polysaccharides, in vitro simulated digestion to evaluate the digestive performance of polysaccharides with different molecular weights, in vitro probiotic evaluation of the probiotic effect of polysaccharides on lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, in vitro anaerobic fermentation and high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes to study the impact of Acanthopanax polysaccharides on the intestinal flora of broilers, and the effect of Acanthopanax polysaccharides on the short-chain fatty acids of intestines were determined by GC-MS method. The results showed that the molecular weight of Acanthopanax polysaccharide (ASPS) was 9,543 Da, and the molecular weights of polysaccharides ASPS-1 and ASPS-2 were reduced to 4,288 Da and 3,822 Da after degradation, and the particle sizes, PDIs, and viscosities were also significantly decreased. ASPS-1 has anti-digestive properties and better in vitro probiotic properties. The addition of ASPS-1 regulates the structure of intestinal microorganisms by regulating fecalibacterium to produce short-chain fatty acids, promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria such as fecalibacterium, paraprevotella and diminishing the prevalence of detrimental bacteria such as Fusobacteria. Interestingly the ASPS-1 group found higher levels of Paraprevotella, which degraded trypsin in the gut, reducing inflammation, acted as a gut protector, and was influential in increasing the levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and total SCFAs in the fermented feces. Therefore, the degraded ASPS-1 can better regulate the structure of intestinal flora and promote the production of SCFAs, creating possibilities for its use as a potential prebiotic, which is conducive to the intestinal health of poultry.

The Effects of Poria cocos Polysaccharides on Growth Performance, Immunity, and Cecal Microflora Composition of Weaned Piglets

This paper aims to identify Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCPs) as a potential feed additive used for swine production; thus, we explored the effects of different dietary inclusion levels of PCP on growth performance, immunity, and cecal microflora composition in weaned piglets. For this, a total of 120 28-day-old Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire weaned piglets (8.51 ± 0.19 kg; 28 ± 1 days of age) were randomly allocated to five groups that were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% PCP, respectively, for 42 days. The results indicated that the average daily gain (ADG) and gain/feed ratio were higher in the PCP treatment groups than in the control group, with a linear effect. The serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, IL-2, IFN-γ, the number of CD4+ T cells, and the CD4+-to-CD8+ T-cell ratio (CD4+/CD8+) were increased, while the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased in the PCP supplementation groups compared with those in the control group. Furthermore, the cytokine mRNA expression levels exhibited a similar trend in the spleen. PCP supplementation also reduced the abundance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella and enhanced that of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in the cecum. In summary, dietary PCP inclusion exerted positive effects on the growth performance, immunity, and cecal microbiota of piglets and showed potential for use as a feed additive for improving the health of weaned piglets, with 0.1% being the optimal dosage.

Effects of glycyrrhiza polysaccharides on growth performance, meat quality, serum parameters and growth/meat quality-related gene expression in broilers

With growing restrictions on the use of antibiotics in animal feed, plant extracts are increasingly favored as natural feed additive sources. Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GP), known for its multifaceted biological benefits including growth promotion, immune enhancement, and antioxidative properties, has been the focus of recent studies. Yet, the effects and mechanisms of GP on broiler growth and meat quality remain to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GP on growth, serum biochemistry, meat quality, and gene expression in broilers. The broilers were divided into five groups, each consisting of five replicates with six birds. These groups were supplemented with 0, 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 mg/kg of GP in their basal diets, respectively, for a period of 42 days. The results indicated that from day 22 to day 42, and throughout the entire experimental period from day 1 to day 42, the groups receiving 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg of GP showed a significant reduction in the feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) compared to the control group. On day 42, an increase in serum growth hormone (GH) levels was shown in groups supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg GP or higher, along with a significant linear increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration. Additionally, significant upregulation of GH and IGF-1 mRNA expression levels was noted in the 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg GP groups. Furthermore, GP significantly elevated serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and globulin (GLB) while reducing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. In terms of meat quality, the 1,500 and 2,000 mg/kg GP groups significantly increased fiber density in pectoral muscles and reduced thiobarbituric acid (TBA) content. GP also significantly decreased cooking loss rate in both pectoral and leg muscles and the drip loss rate in leg muscles. It increased levels of linoleic acid and oleic acid, while decreasing concentrations of stearic acid, myristic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Finally, the study demonstrated that the 1,500 mg/kg GP group significantly enhanced the expression of myogenin (MyoG) and myogenic differentiation (MyoD) mRNA in leg muscles. Overall, the study determined that the optimal dosage of GP in broiler feed is 1,500 mg/kg.

Dietary supplementation with pseudostellaria heterophylla polysaccharide enhanced immunity and changed mRNA expression of spleen in chicks

In recent years, increasing interest has focused on natural components extracted from plants, among which plant polysaccharides as natural immunomodulators that can promote animal immunity. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of feed supplement Pseudostellaria Heterophylla Polysaccharide (PHP) on serum Immunoglobulins, T lymphocyte subpopulations, Cytokines and Lysozyme (LZM) activity in chicks. In addition, the influence of PHP on splenic gene expression was investigated by transcriptome sequencing. Four hundred 7-day-old Gushi cocks were randomly divided into four groups in a completely randomized design. The chicks were fed with a basal diet supplemented with 0 (CON-A), 100 (PHP-L), 200 (PHP-M) and 400 (PHP-H) mg/kg PHP. Blood and spleen samples were collected from 6 randomly selected chicks in each group at 14, 21, 28, and 35 days of age. The results showed that compared to the CON-A group, the PHP-M group exhibited significant increases in the levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, CD3, and LZM in the serum at 14, 21, 28, and 35 days (P < 0.05), and at 28 d, there was a significant quadratic relationship between the levels of dietary PHP and the levels of IgG, IgM, IFN-γ, IL-2, CD3, and LZM. Furthermore, a total of 470 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in spleen from PHP-M and CON-A at 28 d. These DEGs were significantly enriched in the Phagosome, Intestinal immune network for IgA production and Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways. The present investigation highlights the ameliorating effect of dietary PHP on immunological variables and spleen of chicks, the study suggests that PHP supplementation can enhance immunity and positively impact spleen mRNA expression in chicks.

Effect of dietary Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides on growth performance, hepatic antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory capacity of broiler chickens

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of varying levels of dietary Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides (GPS) on the health status of broiler chickens. A total of 288 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to four groups with six replicates, consisting of 12 chickens in each replicate. The control group (CON) was provided with the basal diet, while the experimental groups were administered 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg of GPS in the basal diet for 42 days. The results demonstrated a significant enhancement in average daily gain (ADG) as a result of GPS supplementation (P < 0.05). The dietary GPS significantly elevated total antioxidation capability (T-AOC) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (P < 0.05), while effectively reducing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum and liver (P < 0.05). Administration of GPS notably inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway (P < 0.05), decreased interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels (P < 0.05), and increased IL-4 and IL-10 levels (P < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of crucial regulators involved in liver lipid metabolism, including sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). In contrast, the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) was significantly enhanced in the GPS-supplemented groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of GPS positively influenced the growth performance, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of the liver, as well as liver lipid metabolism in broilers.

Yeast polysaccharide supplementation: impact on lactation, growth, immunity, and gut microbiota in Dezhou donkeys

Introduction

The Dezhou donkey, a prominent Chinese breed, is known for its remarkable size, rapid growth, and resilience to tough feeding conditions, and disease resistance. These traits are crucial in meeting the growing demand for Ejiao and donkey meat. Yeast polysaccharide (YPS), a functional polysaccharide complex known for its immune-enhancing and growth-promoting properties in livestock and poultry, remains relatively understudied in donkeys.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the impact of YPS supplementation on lactating and growing Dezhou donkey jennies and foals.

Materials and methods

Twelve 45-day-old Dezhou donkey foals and their jennies, matched for body weight and age, were randomly allocated to two dietary groups: a control group receiving a basal diet and an experimental group receiving the basal diet supplemented with 10 g/pen of YPS. The experiment was conducted over a 23-day period, during which donkey foals and lactating jennies were co-housed.

Results and discussion

The findings revealed that YPS supplementation had no adverse effects on milk production or composition in Dezhou donkey jennies but significantly increased feed intake. Additionally, YPS was associated with increased plasma glucose and creatinine concentrations in foals, while tending to decrease alkaline phosphatase, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin levels (p < 0.10). Immune indices demonstrated that YPS supplementation elevated the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in jennies (p < 0.05) and increased complement component C4 concentrations in foals (p < 0.05). Moreover, YPS positively influenced the fecal microbiome, promoting the abundance of beneficial microorganisms such as Lactobacillus and Prevotella in donkey foals and Terriporobacter and Cellulosilyticum in jennies, all of which contribute to enhanced feed digestion. Additionally, YPS induced alterations in the plasma metabolome for both jennies and foals, with a predominant presence of lipids and lipid-like molecules. Notably, YPS increased the concentrations of specific lipid metabolites, including 13,14-Dihydro PGF2a, 2-Isopropylmalic acid, 2,3-Dinor-TXB2, Triterpenoids, Taurocholic acid, and 3b-Allotetrahydrocortisol, all of which are associated with improved animal growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study suggests that dietary supplementation of YPS enhances feed intake, boosts immunity by increasing immunoglobulin levels, stimulates the growth-promoting gut microbiota (Lactobacillus and Prevotella), and exerts no adverse effects on the metabolism of both Dezhou donkey jennies and foals.

Effects of Traditional Chinese Herbal Feed Additive on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity and Intestinal Health of Laying Hens

Chinese herbs have been used as feed additives in animal production. This study investigated the effects of a Chinese herbal feed-additive (TCM, which contained Elsholtzia ciliate, Atractylodes macrocephala, Punica granatum pericarpium, and Cyperus rotundus) on the production performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and intestinal health of Roman laying hens. A total of 720 28-week-old hens were randomly allotted to three groups with six replicates of forty hens each. The groups were fed a basal diet (CON group), a basal diet with 50 mg/kg zinc bacitracin (ABX group), or a basal diet with 400 mg/kg TCM (TCM group) for 56 days. The results showed that the TCM group increased egg production, egg mass, albumen height, and Haugh unit compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in egg weight, feed intake, feed conversion rate, and eggshell strength among all three groups (p > 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the TCM group enhanced the activities of glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase in serum and liver, and reduced malondialdehyde content (p < 0.05). The TCM also increased the levels of interleukin-2, interferon-γ, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M, and immunoglobulin G, and decreased the levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the TCM group increased jejunal goblet cell density and decreased ileal crypt depth and lymphocyte density compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). The results of 16S rRNA demonstrated that the TCM can change the diversity and composition of intestinal microbiota. At the phylum level, the abundance of Bacteroides increased while that of Firmicutes decreased in the TCM group (p > 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Lactobacillus, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, and Phascolarctobacterium increased while that of Bacteroides and unclassified_o__Bacteroidales decreased in the TCM group (p > 0.05). The effects of ABX were weaker than those of the TCM. In conclusion, the TCM has positive effects on production performance and the intestinal health of hens.

Effects of Ilicis Chinensis folium extract supplementation on growth performance, serum parameters, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens

BACKGROUND

Ilicis chinensis folium extract (ICFE) is a powder extracted and processed with Ilex chinensis Sims (ICS) which has numerous bioactivities and is conventionally used in traditional Chinese medicine. Nonetheless, there has been no definitive study evaluating ICFE's application as a feed supplement for broilers. This research sought to determine the chemical composition and evaluate how dietary ICFE supplementation affects the growth performance, serum metrics, intestinal structure, and antioxidant capacity of broilers.

METHODS

A total of 360 one-day-old broiler chicks were assigned to four treatments (with 9 replicates of 10 chicks, each) of dietary supplementation with ICFE at 0, 250, 500, and 1,000 mg /kg for 42 days.

RESULTS

Ten polyphenolic compounds and two triterpenoid glycosides were detected by HPLC. In the grower stage and overall, broilers supplemented with 500 and 1,000 mg/kg ICFE exhibited a higher ADFI (P < 0.05) than the controls. Additionally, compared to the controls, broilers receiving low, medium, or high dosages of ICFE exhibited higher average daily gains (P < 0.05) throughout the starter stage and overall. Organ indices showed no significant variation, suggesting that ICFE was non-toxic. ICFE supplementation increased the height of villi in the duodenum and jejunum, reduced crypt depth, and increased the villus/crypt ratio in the duodenum (P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of IL-4 and IgA were increased in ICFE-supplemented broilers. The serum malondialdehyde concentration was reduced, whereas superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity increased through supplementation with ICFE.

CONCLUSION

ICFE supplementation can improve intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and growth performance of broilers. Hence, ICFE is a promising and safe alternative to antibiotics in broilers, and 500 mg/kg appears to be the optimal dose.

Research progress on the mechanisms underlying poultry immune regulation by plant polysaccharides

With the rapid development of poultry industry and the highly intensive production management, there are an increasing number of stress factors in poultry production. Excessive stress will affect their growth and development, immune function, and induce immunosuppression, susceptibility to a variety of diseases, and even death. In recent years, increasing interest has focused on natural components extracted from plants, among which plant polysaccharides have been highlighted because of their various biological activities. Plant polysaccharides are natural immunomodulators that can promote the growth of immune organs, activate immune cells and the complement system, and release cytokines. As a green feed additive, plant polysaccharides can not only relieve stress and enhance the immunity and disease resistance of poultry, but also regulate the balance of intestinal microorganisms and effectively alleviate all kinds of stress faced by poultry. This paper reviews the immunomodulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of different plant polysaccharides (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz polysaccharide, Astragalus polysaccharides, Taishan Pinus massoniana pollen polysaccharide, and alfalfa polysaccharide) in poultry. Current research results reveal that plant polysaccharides have potential uses as therapeutic agents for poultry immune abnormalities and related diseases.

Progress of Studies on Plant-Derived Polysaccharides Affecting Intestinal Barrier Function in Poultry

As natural bioactive components, plant-derived polysaccharides have many biological functions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoccidial, and immunity regulation, and have been widely used in poultry production. In this review paper, firstly, the sources and structures of plant-derived polysaccharides are reviewed; secondly, the effects of plant-derived polysaccharides on the intestinal microbiome, permeability, morphology and immune function of poultry are summarized; thirdly, the potential molecular regulation mechanism of plant-derived polysaccharides on the intestinal barrier function of poultry was preliminarily analyzed. The review paper will bring a basis for the scientific utilization of plant-derived polysaccharides in the poultry industry.