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Sooksridang T, Rachatapibul C, Srinongkote S, Mukai K, Kikusato M. Trehalose Supplementation Effects on Growth, Intestinal Morphology, Gut Bacteria, and Footpad Dermatitis of Broiler Chickens Reared at High Density. J Poult Sci 2024; 61:2024001. [PMID: 38205392 PMCID: PMC10774519 DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.2024001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to measure the effects of trehalose (Tre) supplementation on the growth, intestinal morphology, gut bacteria, and footpad dermatitis (FPD) of broiler chickens reared at different stocking densities (SD). Four hundred newly hatched Ross 308 male chicks were randomly allocated to four groups of eight, following a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design using two SDs (normal, 11; high, 14 birds/m2) and two diets: basal with and without 0.5% Tre. Tre supplementation was provided during the starter/grower phase, but not the finisher phase. Data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance. We observed no significant effects of SD or Tre, individually or combined, on body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the starter/grower period. However, high SD decreased both BWG (P < 0.001) and FI (P < 0.05), and increased FCR (P < 0.001), during the finisher period. Whereas Tre reduced FCR (P < 0.05) as a main effect, no combined effect was observed on FCR. Over the total period, high SD negatively affected BWG and FCR (P < 0.001), and Tre significantly reduced FCR, with its effect unaffected by SD. No significant effects of SD or Tre were observed on jejunal morphology. The ileal abundance of Clostridium perfringens (P > 0.05) was not affected by high SD but was significantly reduced by Tre. Neither high SD nor Tre altered Lactobacillus spp. counts; however, high SD increased FPD lesion scores, whereas Tre had no effect. The study showed that Tre supplementation during the starter/grower period improved FCR during the finisher period, possibly by decreasing the abundance of C. perfringens in broiler chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takawan Sooksridang
- Bangkok Animal Research Center Co., Ltd. 74/4 mu 7
Naiklongbangplakod, Prasamutjedi, Samutprakarn 10290, Thailand
| | - Chantaluk Rachatapibul
- Bangkok Animal Research Center Co., Ltd. 74/4 mu 7
Naiklongbangplakod, Prasamutjedi, Samutprakarn 10290, Thailand
| | - Saksit Srinongkote
- Bangkok Animal Research Center Co., Ltd. 74/4 mu 7
Naiklongbangplakod, Prasamutjedi, Samutprakarn 10290, Thailand
| | - Kazuhisa Mukai
- Hayashibara Co. Ltd., 1-1-3 Shimoishii, Kita-ku, Okayama
700-0907, Japan
| | - Motoi Kikusato
- Animal Nutrition, Life Sciences, Graduate School of
Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Aramaki Aza Aoba 468-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8572,
Japan
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Fan YC, Wu YT, Wu YHS, Wang CL, Chou CH, Chen YC, Tsai HJ. Investigation of Trehalose Supplementation Impacting Campylobacter jejuni and Clostridium perfringens from Broiler Farming. Vet Sci 2023; 10:466. [PMID: 37505870 PMCID: PMC10385778 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10070466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2006, the European Commission banned the use of antibiotic promoters in animal feed. However, there is a new situation in poultry disease where it is necessary to study feed additives, which can overcome the diseases that were previously controlled through the addition of antibiotics and antimicrobial growth promoters in the feed. Therefore, trehalose was investigated to determine whether it impacts the growth performance and pathogenic bacteria (C. jejuni and C. perfringens) inoculation in broilers. In the first experiment, the tolerance of broilers to the addition of trehalose to their feed was investigated. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in body weight changes, daily weight gain, feed intake or feed conversion ratio during the feeding period. Within a 35-day feeding period, it was concluded that a trehalose dosage up to 10% does not exert a negative effect on broiler farming. Moreover, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the broilers' growth performance, as well as C. jejuni and C. perfringens counts in the intestines and feces of broilers observed over a 5-week feeding period. However, Lactobacillus counts significantly increased in these groups with 3% and 5% trehalose supplementation. The findings indicate that trehalose supplementation in the feed cannot directly decrease C. jejuni and C. perfringens counts but may enhance gut health by raising Lactobacillus counts in chicken gut, particularly when enteropathogenic bacteria are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Chi Fan
- Zoonoses Research Center and School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei City 106, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tei Wu
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei City 106, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsieng Samuel Wu
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University-Yangming Campus, 155, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Lan Wang
- Zoonoses Research Center and School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei City 106, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsi Chou
- Zoonoses Research Center and School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei City 106, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Chen
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei City 106, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Jung Tsai
- Zoonoses Research Center and School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei City 106, Taiwan
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Chen K, Liu JB, Tie CZ, Wang L. Trehalose prevents glyphosate-induced testicular damage in roosters via its antioxidative properties. Res Vet Sci 2022; 152:314-322. [PMID: 36084373 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Glyphosate (GLY), an active ingredient of the most commonly used herbicide, when in crops and feed, is deleterious to male reproductive health. Trehalose (Tre), a naturally non-reducing disaccharide, is shown to counteract the adverse stresses due to its antioxidation effect. Thus, this study was designed to investigate whether Tre can improve GLY-induced testicular damage via suppressing oxidative stress. 60 healthy Hy-Line Brown breeder roosters were utilized to assess the protective effects of Tre supplementation against testicular oxidative damage caused by GLY. Data showed that Tre administration significantly alleviated GLY- induced reduction in testis weight, decreased GLY level in the testis tissues, and alleviated GLY-caused testicular pathological damage. Concurrently, GLY treatment significantly elevated serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and testicular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, decreased serum total anti-oxidation capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels, which were all notably reversed by Tre administration. Moreover, GLY- inhibited nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in rooster testis, a master regulator of oxidative stress, was markedly recovered by Tre administration. In summary, these findings demonstrated that Tre can prevent GLY-induced testicular damage in roosters by ameliorating oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- New Drug Evaluation Center of Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 989 Xinluo Street, Ji'nan City 250101, Shandong Province, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Artificial Phage Drug, 989 Xinluo Street, Ji'nan City 250101, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jing-Bo Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City, Shandong Province 271018, China
| | - Cheng-Zhu Tie
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City, Shandong Province 271018, China
| | - Lin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an City, Shandong Province 271018, China.
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Exploring the Potential of Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. (Resurrection Tree) as a Phytogenic Feed Additive in Animal Nutrition. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12151973. [PMID: 35953961 PMCID: PMC9367323 DOI: 10.3390/ani12151973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The unregulated use of in-feed antibiotic growth promoters has received widespread condemnation due to an increase in cases of antibiotic-resistant microbes. This has fueled an ever-growing demand for new sources of natural and safe alternative products with minimal impacts on the environment and human health in animal production. Myrothamnus flabellifolius, as a phytogenic feed additive, fits this description, as it is a natural plant containing high amounts of secondary metabolites necessary for cell function, regulation, and protection for improved animal growth, performance, and health. With some limitations towards its use, several processing and combination strategies are available to unlock nutrients and explore its potential in animal production, as described in this review. Abstract Myrothamnus flabellifolius (Welw.) is used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of depression and mental disorder, asthma, infectious diseases, respiratory, inflammation, epilepsy, heart, wound, backaches, diabetes, kidney ailments, hypertension, hemorrhoids, gingivitis, shingles, stroke, and skins conditions. The effectiveness of M. flabellifolius is due to the presence of several secondary metabolites that have demonstrated efficacy in other cell and animal models. These metabolites are key in cell regulation and function and have potential use in animal production due to antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, for an improvement in growth performance, feed quality and palatability, gut microbial environment, function, and animal health. The purpose of this review is to provide a detailed account on the potential use of M. flabellifolius in animal nutrition. Limitations towards the use of this plant in animal nutrition, including toxicity, economic, and financial issues are discussed. Finally, novel strategies and technologies, e.g., microencapsulation, microbial fermentation, and essential oil extraction, used to unlock and improve nutrient bioaccessibility and bioavailability are clearly discussed towards the potential use of M. flabellifolius as a phytogenic additive in animal diets.
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Ito K, Miyamoto H, Matsuura M, Ishii C, Tsuboi A, Tsuji N, Nakaguma T, Nakanishi Y, Kato T, Suda W, Honda F, Ito T, Moriya S, Shima H, Michibata R, Yamada R, Takahashi Y, Koga H, Kodama H, Watanabe Y, Kikuchi J, Ohno H. Noninvasive fecal metabolic profiling for the evaluation of characteristics of thermostable lactic acid bacteria, Weizmannia coagulans SANK70258, for broiler chickens. J Biosci Bioeng 2022; 134:105-115. [PMID: 35718655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Weizmannia coagulans SANK70258 is a spore-forming thermostable lactic acid bacterium and an effective probiotic for the growth of livestock animals, but its growth-promoting mechanism remains unclear. Here, the composition of fecal metabolites in broilers continuously administered with W. coagulans SANK70258 was assessed under a regular program with antibiotics, which was transiently given for 6 days after birth. Oral administration of W. coagulans to broiler chicks tended to increase the average daily gain of body weights thereafter. The composition of fecal metabolites in the early chick stage (Day 10 after birth) was dramatically altered by the continuous exposure. The levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) propionate and butyrate markedly increased, while those of acetate, one of the SCFAs, and lactate were reduced. Simultaneously, arabitol, fructose, mannitol, and erythritol, which are carbohydrates as substrates for gut microbes to produce SCFAs, also increased along with altered correlation. Correlation network analyses classified the modularity clusters (|r| > 0.7) among carbohydrates, SCFAs, lactate, amino acids, and the other metabolites under the two conditions. The characteristic diversities by the exposure were visualized beyond the perspective associated with differences in metabolite concentrations. Further, enrichment pathway analyses showed that metabolic composition related to biosynthesis and/or metabolism for SCFAs, amino acids, and energy were activated. Thus, these observations suggest that W. coagulans SANK70258 dramatically modulates the gut metabolism of the broiler chicks, and the metabolomics profiles during the early chick stages may be associated with growth promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayo Ito
- Chiba Prefectural Livestock Research Center, Yachimata, Chiba 289-1113, Japan
| | - Hirokuni Miyamoto
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8501, Japan; Sermas Co., Ltd., Chiba 263-8522, Japan; Japan Eco-science (Nikkan Kagaku) Co. Ltd., Chiba 263-8522, Japan; RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan.
| | - Makiko Matsuura
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8501, Japan; Sermas Co., Ltd., Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Chitose Ishii
- Sermas Co., Ltd., Chiba 263-8522, Japan; RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Arisa Tsuboi
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8501, Japan; Sermas Co., Ltd., Chiba 263-8522, Japan; Japan Eco-science (Nikkan Kagaku) Co. Ltd., Chiba 263-8522, Japan; RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | | | - Teruno Nakaguma
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8501, Japan; Sermas Co., Ltd., Chiba 263-8522, Japan; Japan Eco-science (Nikkan Kagaku) Co. Ltd., Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Yumiko Nakanishi
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Kato
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Wataru Suda
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Fuyuko Honda
- Chiba Prefectural Livestock Research Center, Yachimata, Chiba 289-1113, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Ito
- Keiyo Gas Energy Solution Co. Ltd., Ichikawa, Chiba 272-0015, Japan
| | - Shigeharu Moriya
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hideaki Shima
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | | | - Ryouichi Yamada
- Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., Marunouchi, Tokyo 100-8251, Japan
| | | | - Hirohisa Koga
- Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., Marunouchi, Tokyo 100-8251, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kodama
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8501, Japan; Sermas Co., Ltd., Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Yuko Watanabe
- Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., Marunouchi, Tokyo 100-8251, Japan
| | - Jun Kikuchi
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohno
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
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Chen J, Ying X, Deng S, Li W, Peng L, Ma L. Trehalose and alginate oligosaccharides enhance the stability of myofibrillar proteins in shrimp (
Litopenaeus vannamei
) muscle during frozen storage. J FOOD PROCESS PRES 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jfpp.16469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Chen
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310058 China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing College of Food and Pharmacy Zhejiang Ocean University Zhoushan 316022 China
| | - Xiaoguo Ying
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310058 China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing College of Food and Pharmacy Zhejiang Ocean University Zhoushan 316022 China
| | - Shanggui Deng
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science Zhejiang University Hangzhou 310058 China
| | - Wenjun Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering Guangzhou 510225 China
| | - Lianxin Peng
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Chengdu University Chengdu 610106 China
| | - Lukai Ma
- College of Light Industry and Food Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering Guangzhou 510225 China
- Academy of Contemporary Agricultural Engineering Innovations Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering Guangzhou 510225 China
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Baron LF, da Fonseca FN, Maciag SS, Bellaver FAV, Ibeli AMG, Mores MAZ, de Almeida GF, Guterres SS, Bastos APA, Paese K. Toltrazuril-Loaded Polymeric Nanocapsules as a Promising Approach for the Preventive Control of Coccidiosis in Poultry. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020392. [PMID: 35214122 PMCID: PMC8878044 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Coccidiosis is a disease caused by intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria that affect the intestinal tract of poultry. However, strain resistance and drug residue in the carcass have drawn the attention of the productive sector. The nanotechnology can improve the biological effect of drugs, reducing of administered doses and toxic effects. Due to this, toltrazuril-load polymeric nanoparticles based on Eudragit® S100 (NCt) or poly-ε-caprolactone (LNCt) were developed to prevent coccidiosis in broilers. Nanoformulations were produced and showed homogeneous particle diameter distribution in the nanometer range (z-average and D (4.3) < 200 nm), negative zeta potential (<−8.93 mV), drug content ~100%, and encapsulation efficiency >90%. Cell viability assays using avian fibroblasts showed that LNCt presented no relevant toxicity up to 72 h. LNCt was then prophylactically administrated to chicken followed by challenge with Eimeria oocysts. The evaluation of the small intestine and cecum showed that the treatment with LNCt (3.5 mg/kg/day) in drinking water reduced the lesion scores and oocysts excretion, similar to the reference medicine containing toltrazuril (Baycox®, 7 mg/kg/day). The current study shows the potential protective use of nanoencapsulating anticoccidial drugs as a promising approach for the control of coccidiosis in poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Flávia Baron
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil; (L.F.B.); (G.F.d.A.); (S.S.G.)
| | - Francisco Noé da Fonseca
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, BR 153 Km 110 s/n, Concórdia 89715-899, SC, Brazil; (A.M.G.I.); (M.A.Z.M.); (A.P.A.B.)
- Correspondence: (F.N.d.F.); (K.P.); Tel.: +55-61-3448-4433 (F.N.d.F.); +55-51-3308-5514 (K.P.)
| | - Shaiana Salete Maciag
- Campus CEDETEG, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná, Al. Elio Antonio Dalla Vecchia, 838, Guarapuava 85040-167, PR, Brazil;
| | | | | | | | - Gabryelle Furtado de Almeida
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil; (L.F.B.); (G.F.d.A.); (S.S.G.)
| | - Silvia Stanisçuaski Guterres
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil; (L.F.B.); (G.F.d.A.); (S.S.G.)
| | - Ana Paula Almeida Bastos
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, BR 153 Km 110 s/n, Concórdia 89715-899, SC, Brazil; (A.M.G.I.); (M.A.Z.M.); (A.P.A.B.)
| | - Karina Paese
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil; (L.F.B.); (G.F.d.A.); (S.S.G.)
- Correspondence: (F.N.d.F.); (K.P.); Tel.: +55-61-3448-4433 (F.N.d.F.); +55-51-3308-5514 (K.P.)
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Effects of Different Non-Cage Housing Systems on the Production Performance, Serum Parameters and Intestinal Morphology of Laying Hens. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061673. [PMID: 34199700 PMCID: PMC8230062 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of plastic-net housing system (NRS) and floor-litter housing system (LRS) on the production performance, serum parameters and intestinal morphology of Shendan laying hens. A total of 1200 30-week-old hens were randomly allocated to the NRS and LRS groups, each of which included five replicates with 120 chickens in each replicate. The experiment was conducted from 32 to 40 weeks of age. Indoor airborne parameters were measured every 2 weeks, and indoor ground contamination was measured monthly. The laying rate and mortality of hens were recorded daily, and egg quality traits and serum parameters were measured every 2 weeks. At 40 weeks of age, four birds per replicate from each experimental group were selected for intestinal morphological observation. The results showed that the airborne bacteria number in the LRS was significantly higher than that in the NRS (p < 0.05) for most of the experimental period (except at 32 and 38 weeks of age), and the bacterial numbers on the surfaces of the floor and floor eggs in the LRS were approximately 10 times higher than those in the NRS (p < 0.05). Compared with the LRS, the NRS improved the laying rate (p < 0.05), reduced serum malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations and increased serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, indicating favourable effects on antioxidative status. The NRS was significantly associated with an increased villus height (VH), villus height to crypt depth ratio (VCR) in the small intestine (p < 0.05) and increased VCR in the caecum (p < 0.05). Overall, the lower rate of bacterial contamination in the NRS than in the LRS indicated better environmental hygiene. The NRS enhanced the laying performance and antioxidant capacity of hens and was superior to the LRS in improving intestinal health. The current findings support the advantages of the NRS for the health and welfare of Shendan chickens during the peak laying period.
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