Effect of various levels of dietary curcumin on meat quality and antioxidant profile of breast muscle in broilers

Effects of dietary dihydroartemisinin on growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary dihydroartemisinin on the growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. Four-hundred one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to five treatment groups with eight replicates and ten birds each. All broilers were fed a basal diet containing 0, 5, 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg dihydroartemisinin. The results showed that dihydroartemisinin at 10 mg/kg quadratically increased ADG, and dihydroartemisinin at 10 and 20 mg/kg quadratically increased ADFI during the days 1-21 period. Compared to the control group, dihydroartemisinin at 10 and 20 mg/kg quadratically decreased the drip loss at 24 h. Dihydroartemisinin linearly and quadratically decreased the L* value of breast muscles. Dihydroartemisinin at 20-40 mg/kg linearly and quadratically decreased the MDA concentrations at D5 and D 7 of postmortem storage. Dihydroartemisinin linearly and quadratically increased the ABTS scavenging activity at D 7 of postmortem storage. Dietary 20 mg/kg dihydroartemisinin at 21 days and 40 mg/kg dihydroartemisinin at 42 days linearly and quadratically increased serum glutathione concentrations. Dihydroartemisinin at 5-40 mg/kg linearly increased serum total superoxide dismutase activity at 42 days. Dihydroartemisinin at 10-20 mg/kg quadratically decreased serum malondialdehyde contents at 42 days. At 21 days, 20 mg/kg dihydroartemisinin quadratically increased hepatic glutathione concentrations and catalase activities. Compared to the control group, 40 mg/kg dihydroartemisinin linearly and quadratically decreased hepatic malondialdehyde contents. At 42 days, 20 mg/kg dihydroartemisinin quadratically increased catalase activities and reduced the malondialdehyde contents in liver. Dihydroartemisinin quadratically increased the hepatic mRNA expression of Nrf2. Compared to the control group, dihydroartemisinin at 10 and 20 mg/kg quadratically induced the hepatic mRNA expression of HO-1. Dihydroartemisinin at 10-40 mg/kg linearly and quadratically increased the mRNA expression of CAT in liver. These results showed that dihydroartemisinin improved growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens, especially at 10 and 20 mg/kg.

Curcumin, a plant polyphenol with multiple physiological functions of improving antioxidation, anti-inflammation, immunomodulation and its application in poultry production

Finding environmentally friendly, effective and residue-free alternatives to antibiotics has become a research priority. This is due to the ban on antibiotics in animal feed. Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of turmeric that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Curcumin has been widely demonstrated as a traditional flavoured agent and herbal medicine in the fight against diseases. In recent years, curcumin has been extensively studied in animal production, especially in poultry production. This article reviews the source, structure, metabolism and biological functions of curcumin and focuses on the application of curcumin in poultry production. In terms of production performance, curcumin can improve the growth performance of poultry, increase the egg production rate of laying hens and alleviate the negative effects of heat stress on the production performance of poultry and livestock. In terms of meat quality, curcumin can improve poultry meat quality by regulating lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity. In terms of health, curcumin can improve immunity. Since mycotoxins have been a major problem in poultry production, this article also reviews the role of curcumin in helping poultry resist toxins. It is hoped that the review in this article can provide a concrete theoretical basis and research ideas for the research and application of curcumin in the field of poultry.

Dietary supplementation with quercetin: an ideal approach for improving meat quality and oxidative stability of broiler chickens

This study aimed to improve the eating quality of yellow-feathered broiler chicks by feeding them corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg quercetin. we examined the impact of varying doses of dietary quercetin on the sensory quality of chicken breast meat as well as on the antioxidant enzymes, antioxidant-related signaling molecules, structure and thermal stability of myofibrillar protein (MPs), and microstructure of myogenic fibers in the meat during 24 h of postslaughter aging. Additionally, we investigated the potential correlations among antioxidant capacity, MP structure, and meat quality parameters. The results indicated that dietary supplementations with 500 and 1,000 mg/kg quercetin improved the physicochemical properties and eating quality of yellow-feathered broiler chicken breast meat during 12 to 24 h postslaughter. Additionally, quercetin improved the postslaughter oxidative stress status and reduced protein and lipid oxidation levels. It also increased hydrogen bonding interactions and α-helix content during 6 to 12 h postslaughter and decreased β-sheet content during 12 to 24 h postslaughter in chicken breast MP. This resulted in improved postslaughter MP structure and thermal stability. The correlation results indicated that the enhancement of antioxidant capacity and MP structure enhanced the physicochemical and edible qualities of yellow-feathered broiler chicken breast meat. In conclusion, the current findings suggest that dietary supplementation with quercetin is an ideal approach for improving the eating quality of chicken meat, thereby broadening our understanding of theoretical and technological applications for improving the quality of chicken.

Dietary salidroside supplementation improves meat quality and antioxidant capacity and regulates lipid metabolism in broilers

We aimed to explore the effect of salidroside (SAL) on meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in broilers. The results demonstrated that SAL significantly reduced the yellowness (b*), shear force, cooking loss, drip loss, MDA, TBARS, and carbonyl content in breast (P < 0.05), while increasing the pH value (P < 0.05), suggesting an improvement in meat quality. SAL lowered the lipid contents in liver and serum (P < 0.05), while increasing the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in breast (P < 0.05), indicating effective regulation of lipid metabolism by SAL. SAL increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the expression of antioxidant genes in both liver and muscle (P < 0.05). Additionally, SAL improved the meat quality and antioxidant capacity of breast subjected to repeated freeze-thaw treatment. SAL may enhance meat quality by improving antioxidative stability and regulating lipid metabolism, potentially serving as a dietary supplement for broilers.

Supplementation of the Combination of Quercetin and Vitamin E Alleviates the Effects of Heat Stress on the Uterine Function and Hormone Synthesis in Laying Hens

Chickens are sensitive to heat stress because their capacity to dissipate body heat is low. Hence, in chickens, excessive ambient temperature negatively influences their reproductive performance and health. Heat stress induces inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby rendering many reproductive organs dysfunctional. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the supplementation of dietary quercetin and vitamin E on the uterine function, eggshell quality via estrogen concentration, calcium metabolism, and antioxidant status of the uterus of laying hens under heat stress. The ambient temperature transformation was set at 34 ± 2 °C for 8 h/d (9:00 am-5:00 pm), which was followed by 22 °C to 28 °C for 16 h/d. Throughout the experiment, the relative humidity in the chicken's pen was at 50 to 65%. A total of 400 Tianfu breeder hens (120-days-old) were randomly divided into four dietary experimental groups, including basal diet (Control); basal diet + 0.4 g/kg quercetin; basal diet + 0.2 g/kg vitamin E; and basal diet + the combination of quercetin (0.4 g/kg) and vitamin E (0.2 g/kg). The results show that the combination of quercetin and vitamin E significantly increased the serum alkaline phosphatase levels and the antioxidant status of the uterus (p < 0.05). In addition, the combination of quercetin and vitamin E significantly increased the concentrations of serum estrogen and progesterone, as well as elevated the expression of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 and follicular cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member-1 (p < 0.05). We also found that the calcium levels of the serum and uterus were significantly increased by the synergistic effects of quercetin and vitamin E (p < 0.05), and they also increased the expression of Ca2+-ATPase and the mRNA expression of calcium-binding-related genes in the uterus (p < 0.05). These results are consistent with the increased eggshell quality of the laying hens under heat stress. Further, the combination of quercetin and vitamin E significantly increased the uterine morphological characteristics, such as the height of the uterine mucosal fold and the length of the uterine mucosa villus of the heat-stressed laying hens. These results collectively improve the uterine function, serum and uterine calcium concentration, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness (p < 0.05) in heat-stressed laying hens. Taken together, we demonstrated in the present study that supplementing the combination of dietary quercetin and vitamin E alleviated the effects of heat stress and improved calcium metabolism, hormone synthesis, and uterine function in the heat-stressed laying hens. Thus, the supplementation of the combination of quercetin and vitamin E alleviates oxidative stress in the eggshell gland of heat-stressed laying hens, thereby promoting calcium concentration in the serum and eggshell gland, etc., in laying hens. Hence, the combination of quercetin and vitamin E promotes the reproductive performance of the laying hens under heat stress and can also be used as a potent anti-stressor in laying hens.

Sorption of phenols and flavonoids on activated charcoal improves protein metabolism, antioxidant status, immunity, and intestinal morphology in broilers

Previous studies have revealed that activated charcoal sorption of Chinese herbal extracts is more effective than activated charcoal. The present study was designed to investigate whether phenols and flavonoids have an effect on nutrient metabolism, antioxidant activity, immunity, and intestinal morphology in broilers. Seven diets [basal diet (CON); CON supplemented with 450 mg/kg of activated charcoal (AC); CON supplemented with 250, 500, 750, 1,000, or 7,500 mg/kg of phenolic acids and flavonoids (PF) to AC (PFAC)]. PFAC was the complex of AC sorption of PF in the ratio of 9:1. These dietary treatments for broilers lasted for 42 days. Results showed that at d 21, all doses of PFAC altered serum levels of total protein, albumin, and creatinine compared to AC (p < 0.05). Both PFAC and AC altered HDL-, LDL-, and VLDL-cholesterol levels compared to CON (p < 0.05). PFAC at 500 mg/kg (450 mg/kg AC+ 50 mg/kg phenolic acids and flavonoids) increased serum IgA and IgM (p < 0.05), but AC at 450 mg/kg did not, compared to CON. At d 42, breast and thigh muscles of PFAC-treated broilers had higher free radical scavenging activities compared to CON (p < 0.05), but AC had no such effect. PFAC at 500 mg/kg increased villus height in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum compared to CON (p < 0.05), but AC had no such response. PFAC at 500 mg/kg effectively improved protein and lipid metabolism, antioxidant status, and intestinal morphology, but AC had no such effect at a similar dose. Excessive PFAC (7,500 mg/kg) showed no significant side effects on broiler growth, liver damage, or hematology. These results suggest that phenols and flavonoids, in cooperation with activated charcoal, provide the majority of the functions of the herbal extract from multiple Chinese medicinal herbs.

Effects of dietary supplementation of Anoectochilus roxburghii extract (ARE) on growth performance, abdominal fat deposition, meat quality, and gut microbiota in broilers

The broiler industry frequently encounters 2 common problems: excessive deposition of abdominal fat and poor quality of meat. However, there are limited nutritional manipulation strategies to address these issues. While Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl., a traditional Chinese herb, has been shown to have multiple beneficial effects in humans, its potential roles in broiler chickens remain unexplored. In this study, the effects of dietary supplementation with Anoectochilus roxburghii extract (ARE) on growth performance, abdominal fat deposition, meat quality, blood indices, and gut microbiota were investigated in yellow-feather broiler chickens. A total of 90 twenty-one-day-old yellow-feather broilers were randomly divided into 3 treatments, and each treatment included 5 replicates with 6 birds per replicate. Birds were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.15, or 0.30% ARE for 6 wk. The results showed that the inclusion of ARE in the diet did not have any significant effect on meat yield (P > 0.05). However, it did lead to a reduction in abdominal fat deposition and an improvement in meat quality (P < 0.05). Mechanistically, the addition of ARE inhibited lipid biosynthesis and enhanced lipid breakdown in both the liver and adipose tissue of the broilers. Furthermore, ARE supplementation increased the antioxidase activities in the muscle and serum of the broilers (P < 0.05). In addition, the supplementation of ARE optimized the diversity and composition of the cecal microbiota, particularly by lowering the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (P < 0.05). Moreover, the abundance of some bacteria that were positively correlated with abdominal fat deposition was reduced by ARE, and vice versa (P < 0.05). Collectively, the results suggest that ARE is a promising candidate as a feed additive for reducing abdominal fat deposition and improving meat quality in the broiler industry.

Effects of Pueraria Extract and Curcumin on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status and Intestinal Integrity of Broiler Chickens

The current study was carried out to examine the effects of pueraria extract (PE) and curcumin (CUR) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and intestinal integrity in broiler chickens. A complete randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was employed to assign 200 one-day-old Ross-308 broilers to four groups, each including five replicates of ten birds. Chickens in the control group (CON) were fed the basal diet, while the PE, CUR and PE+CUR groups were supplemented with 200 mg/kg PE or 200 mg/kg CUR or 200 mg/kg PE+ 200 mg/kg CUR. This trial lasted for 28 days. The PE supplementation decreased the average daily gain during the whole period (p < 0.05). The PE+CUR group had a higher feed conversion ratio than that of the PE and CUR groups during days 14-28 and 1-28 (p < 0.05). Dietary CUR supplementation increased duodenal T-SOD activity (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the other three groups increased the duodenal GSH-Px activity, the PE+CUR group reduced the duodenal H₂O₂ level, and the CUR and PE groups elevated the ileal GSH-Px activity and the ratio of jejunal villus height to crypt depth, respectively (p < 0.05). The addition of PE decreased crypt depth and increased villus area and mucin-2 mRNA level in the jejunum (p < 0.05). Overall, dietary supplementation with PE, CUR, or a combination of these, enhanced the antioxidant status and intestinal integrity of broilers.

Evaluation of dietary curcumin nanospheres as phytobiotics on growth performance, serum biochemistry, nutritional composition, meat quality, gastrointestinal health, and fecal condition of finishing pigs

Curcumin is a bioactive functional feeding stimulant that is widely used as an additive in cuisine and animal feeds. Owing to its hydrophobic nature and low bioavailability, the nanoformulation of curcumin has recently received special attention from researchers. In this study, we investigated the effects of curcumin nanospheres (CN) on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, meat quality, intestinal immunohistochemistry, fecal malodors and microbes in finishing pigs. A total of 90 crossbred pigs (Duroc × [Yorkshire × Landrace]) with an average initial body weight of 73.77 ± 0.08 kg were randomized into 3 dietary groups in triplicate pens (10 pigs in each pen): control (CON) without supplementation of CN and the pigs in the remaining two groups were supplemented with CN at 1.0 (CN1) and 2.0 (CN2) mL/kg diet for a 40-day long experiment. The results showed that pigs fed the higher CN supplemented diet (CN2) had significantly higher final weight (FW) and weight gain (WG) than those fed the CON diet, and no significant differences were observed in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) after 28 days. At the end of the experiment, pigs fed the CN supplemented diet showed no significant difference in WG, ADFI or FCR compared to those on the CON diet. Overall, at the termination of the 40-day feeding trial, dietary CN had a significant effect on FW and WG, except for ADFI and FCR, in finishing pigs. After 40 days of the feeding trial, serum biochemical parameters such as glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in pigs fed the CN supplemented diet. However, high density lipoprotein levels were significantly increased in pigs fed the CN diets. Protein and lipid contents, as well as yellowness and lightness of the neck and longissimus dorsi muscles were not significantly affected by CN supplementation; however, there was a tendency to increase the redness of the longissimus dorsi muscle in pigs fed the CN2 supplemented diet compared to the CON diet. Meat grading and carcass weight significantly increased in pigs fed a higher CN supplemented diet. Fecal Escherichia coli and ammonia gas were significantly depleted in pigs fed CN diets. Histomorphological parameters, such as villus height, crypt depth and goblet cells in the jejunum of the intestine were significantly increased in pigs fed CN diet. Immunohistochemical staining showed that pro-inflammatory cytokine like tumor necrosis factor-α expression was reduced in pigs fed CN supplemented diets compared to the CON diet; however, antibodies such as immunoglobulin A and tight junction proteins such as claudin 3 were highly expressed in the intestine of pigs fed the CN diets. Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of dietary curcumin nanospheres as a nanobiotechnology tool as well as an effective feed additive for improving the performance and health status of finishing pigs.

Simultaneous and Sensitive Detection of Three Pesticides Using a Functional Poly(Sulfobetaine Methacrylate)-Coated Paper-Based Colorimetric Sensor

Chlorpyrifos (CHL), profenofos (PRO) and cypermethrin (CYP) are widely used in combination to increase crop yields. However, these three pesticides can cause serious harm to human health and do not easily degrade. In this study, a novel visible paper sensor has been prepared successfully and different colorimetric reactions were utilized to detect the three pesticides simultaneously. The sensor was constructed by grafting a zwitterionic polymer onto a cellulose filter (CF) and placing it on a glass surface modified with PDMS. The branch shape was designed to form multiple detection areas, which were modified with specific pesticides and corresponding chromogenic reagents. The as-prepared colorimetric platform exhibited high sensitivity, a short detection time, a good linear response and a low detection limit (LOD) for the three pesticides (chlorpyrifos: y = 46.801 - 1.939x, R² = 0.983, LOD = 0.235 mg/L; profenofos: y = 40.068 + 42.5x, R² = 0.988, LOD = 4.891 mg/L; cypermethrin: y = 51.993 + 1.474x, R² = 0.993, LOD = 4.053 mg/L). The comparison of the results obtained by the proposed paper sensor and those obtained by spectrophotometry further revealed the stability and reliability of the paper sensor. In particular, the color intensity of the interaction between the pesticides and coloring agents could be directly observed by the human eye. The consistency of the colorimetric/optical assay was proven in real target pesticide samples. Thus, this sensing strategy provides a portable, cost-effective, accurate and visualized paper platform, which could be suitable for application in the fruit and vegetable industry for monitoring CHL, PRO and CYP in parallel.

The impact of curcumin on livestock and poultry animal's performance and management of insect pests

Plant-based natural products are alternative to antibiotics that can be employed as growth promoters in livestock and poultry production and attractive alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides for insect pest management. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol compound from the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma spp.) and has been suggested to have a number of therapeutic benefits in the treatment of human diseases. It is also credited for its nutritional and pesticide properties improving livestock and poultry production performances and controlling insect pests. Recent studies reported that curcumin is an excellent feed additive contributing to poultry and livestock animal growth and disease resistance. Also, they detailed the curcumin's growth-inhibiting and insecticidal activity for reducing agricultural insect pests and insect vector-borne human diseases. This review aims to highlight the role of curcumin in increasing the growth and development of poultry and livestock animals and in controlling insect pests. We also discuss the challenges and knowledge gaps concerning curcumin use and commercialization as a feed additive and insect repellent.

Effects of Capsaicin on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Digestive Enzyme Activities, Intestinal Morphology, and Organ Indexes of Broilers

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of capsaicin (CAP) on growth performance, meat quality, digestive enzyme activities, intestinal morphology, and organ indexes of broilers. A total of 256 one-day-old Arbor Acre male broilers were randomly allocated into four treatments with eight replicates of eight birds, feeding a basal diet (control group), a basal diet supplemented with 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg CAP for 42 d, respectively. The growth performance, digestive enzyme activities of intestinal contents, small intestinal morphology, and organ indexes were measured at 21 and 42 d. The meat quality traits of breast muscles were determined at 42 d. The results showed dietary 4 mg/kg CAP supplementation decreased (P &lt; 0.05) the feed to gain ratio (F/G) in the grower phase (22–42 d) and overall (1–42 d) compared with the control group, and 2 mg/kg CAP group also decreased (P &lt; 0.05) the F/G from 1 to 42 d. Dietary 4 mg/kg CAP supplementation decreased (P &lt; 0.05) the drip loss at 48 h and the pH24h of breast muscles relative to the control group. Some digestive enzymes activities of jejunal and ileal contents were increased in the 2 and 4 mg/kg CAP groups compared with the control group both at 21 and 42 d. In addition, dietary 2 mg/kg CAP supplementation increased (P &lt; 0.05) the relative weight of liver, jejunal villus height, villus width, and villous surface area at 21 d; The length of the jejunum segment and the relative weight of Bursa of Fabricius at 42 d in the 4 mg/kg CAP group were higher (P &lt; 0.05) than the control group. In conclusion, dietary 2 or 4 mg/kg CAP supplementation decreased the F/G, improved meat quality, enhanced digestive enzyme activities, improved the jejunal development, and increased the relative liver and Bursa of Fabricius weight in broilers.

Impacts of short-term water restriction on Pelibuey sheep: physiological and blood parameters

One of the projected effects of climate change is a reduction in rainfall in certain regions of the world. Hence, the agricultural and livestock sectors will have to cope with increasing incidences of water shortage while still maintaining productivity levels to feed an ever increasing global population. This short communication reports on the effect of a 2-week water stress on Pelibuey sheep in Cuba. Three treatments were compared, viz. supply of water ad libitum, water supplied once every 3 or 6 days. Following exposure to the water stress, the results showed no changes in sheep body weight or rectal temperature. However, respiration frequency was affected with water stress causing a reduction from 23.3 to 13.3 respirations per min in control and water-deprived animals, respectively. Furthermore, there was evidence for hemoconcentration in response to water stress (levels of hemoglobin increased from 9.2 to 13.1 g L^-1 and hematocrits from 27.6 to 39.3% in the control group and animals restricted to water once every 6 days. The imposed water stress was also evident in the reduction of lymphocytes (from ±63 to 43%), and in increase of neutrophils (from approximately 38 to 54%) and leukocytes (from 3133 to 4933 per mm³). The results indicated a decline in the levels of antioxidants, i.e., SOD from approximately 13 to 10 U mg^-1 protein and CAT activity from 23 to 9 U mg^-1 protein. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the response of Pelibuey sheep to short-term water shortage stress under Cuban environmental conditions.

Curcumin reduces oxidative stress and fat deposition in longissimus dorsi muscle of intrauterine growth-retarded finishing pigs

Dietary curcumin possessing multiple biological activities may be an effective way to alleviate oxidative damage and fat deposition in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) finishing pigs. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate effects of dietary curcumin on meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and fat deposition of longissimus dorsi muscle in IUGR finishing pigs. Twelve normal birth weight (NBW) and 24 IUGR female piglets at 26 days of age were divided into 3 dietary groups: NBW (basal diet), IUGR (basal diet), and IUGR + Cur (basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg curcumin). The trial lasted for 169 days. Results showed that IUGR increased concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC) and fat deposition in longissimus dorsi muscle. However, curcumin decreased the intramuscular fat content and the levels of MDA and PC and improved meat quality in IUGR pigs. Furthermore, curcumin inhibited the decrease of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein expression and decreased peroxisome pro liferator-activated receptors γ (PPARγ) expression in IUGR pigs. These findings suggested that dietary addition of 200 mg/kg curcumin could improve meat quality, alleviate oxidative stress through activating Nrf2 signaling pathway, and reduce fat deposition via inhibiting PPARγ expression in longissimus dorsi muscle of IUGR finishing pigs.

Effect of Dietary Curcumin Supplementation on Duck Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity and Breast Meat Quality

This study aimed at examining the effects of curcumin supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of ducks. To investigate these effects, 600 healthy ducks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups with 10 replicates pens, and each pen contained 15 ducks. Ducks were fed a diet containing curcumin at levels of 0, 300, 400, and 500 mg kg^-1 in different groups. The results demonstrated that curcumin supplementation is beneficial to the growth performance (p < 0.05) of ducks and antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) of duck meat. In addition, dietary curcumin raised the meat quality of ducks, improving the meat color, increasing water-holding capacity, and inhibiting lipid and protein oxidation. In conclusion, the present study provides important insights into both the nutrient and qualities of ducks, finding that a dietary inclusion of 400-500 mg/kg of curcumin (kg^-1) has the greatest effect.

Effects of Feeding Fermented Mulberry Leaf Powder on Growth Performance, Slaughter Performance, and Meat Quality in Chicken Broilers

Simple Summary

Mulberry leaf is widely used in ruminants feeding, such as sheep, beef cattle, and dairy calves. Due to the high content of crude fiber in mature mulberry leaves and branches and the presence of anti-nutritional factors such as tannin, excessive addition will affect the production performance and health of livestock and poultry, and limit its large-scale application in animal production to a certain extent. The disadvantages of woody plants can be improved by microbial fermentation, which can reduce the content of anti-nutritional factors, and increase the content of peptides and amino acids, probiotics, and bioactive components. In this study, Lactobacillus, Saccharomycetes, and Bacillus subtilis were used to make mixed strains to ferment mulberry leaf powder, and different proportions were added to the diet of yellow feathered chicken broilers. The results showed that the addition of fermented mulberry leaf in the diet could improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and then improve its growth performance, and increase the contents of inosine monophosphate (IMP), total amino acids, essential amino acids, and delicious amino acids in breast and thigh muscle, and improved polyunsaturated fatty acids and essential fatty acids in breast muscle; this also has a positive effect on improving meat quality.

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding fermented mulberry leaf powder (FMLP) on growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality of broilers. A total of 360 1-day-old chickens were randomly divided into 5 groups. The control group was fed basal diet (CON), 3% FMLP, 6% FMLP, 9% FMLP, and 3% unfermented mulberry leaf powder. The (MLP) group was fed basal diet supplemented with 3%, 6%, 9% fermented mulberry leaf powder, and 3% MLP, respectively. The experiment lasted for 56 days, with 1–28 days as the starter phase and 29–56 days as the grower phase. The results on the growth performance showed that diets supplemented with 3% FMLP significantly increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of broilers, enhanced the activity of intestinal amylase and digestibility of dry matter and crude protein, improved the average daily gain (ADG), and decreased the feed to gain ratio (F/G) (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group diet, the 3% FMLP group diet significantly increased the breast muscle yield (p < 0.05), reduced the abdominal fat ratio (0.1 < p < 0.05), and improved the slaughter performance of broilers. The 3% MLP group diet increased the shear force of breast muscle (p < 0.05) and thigh muscle of broilers compared to the control group, and adding FMLP could reverse the above results. Additionally, relative to the control group, FMLP supplementation improved the contents of inosine monophosphate (IMP), total amino acids (TAA), essential amino acids (EAA), and delicious amino acids (DAA) in breast and thigh muscle, and improved polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and essential fatty acids (EFA) in breast muscle; the 6% and 9% FMLP groups showed preferably such effects (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of FMLP can improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and then improve the growth performance of broilers; it also has a positive effect on improving slaughter performance and meat quality.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Epigallocatechin Gallate on Meat Quality and Muscle Antioxidant Capacity of Broilers Subjected to Acute Heat Stress

Simple Summary

Broilers are readily affected by acute heat stress (AHS), and the development of intensive and high-density management and the occurrence of high temperatures during the summer exacerbate this problem. AHS has undesirable effects on animal immunity, meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and welfare of broilers, which can be alleviated by nutrition regulation. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been found to reduce the damage of AHS on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related 2 (Nrf2) in liver and jejunum. However, there are few reports on the effect and mechanism of action of EGCG on meat quality and antioxidant function in broilers under AHS. We demonstrated that EGCG protects against AHS-impaired meat quality by improving muscle antioxidant capacity, which seems to be associated with the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, these findings suggested that EGCG could be an effective additive to improve meat quality and muscle redox balance by regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Abstract

This study evaluated epigallocatechin gallate’s (EGCG’s, 400 mg/kg) effect on meat quality and muscle antioxidant status of broilers under acute heat stress (AHS). A total of 144 21-day-old male Huainan partridge chickens were randomly allocated to the EGCG-free group (12 replicates) and the EGCG group (6 replicates). On day 94, the EGCG-free group was divided into the control group (CON) and the AHS group, and then AHS group and EGCG group (identified as AHS + EGCG group) were treated with AHS (33 ± 1 °C for 12 h). AHS increased (p < 0.05) L*_24h, drip loss, muscle lactic acid, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, and kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) mRNA level, and decreased (p < 0.05) eviscerated percentage, pH_24h, a*, muscle total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity, the ratio of T-SOD/MDA and glutathione peroxidase /MDA, glycogen content, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related 2 (Nrf2), catalase (CAT), NAD(P)H/quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) mRNA levels. The AHS + EGCG group exhibited lower (p < 0.05) L*_24h, drip loss, muscle lactic acid, MDA contents and Keap1 mRNA level, and greater (p < 0.05) eviscerated percentage, pH_24h, a*, muscle T-SOD activity, the ratio of T-SOD/MDA, Nrf2, and NQO1 mRNA levels compared with the AHS group. In conclusion, EGCG protects against AHS-impaired meat quality by improving muscle antioxidant capacity, which seems to be associated with the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Impact of Treating Hatching Eggs with Curcumin after Exposure to Thermal Stress on Embryonic Development, Hatchability, Physiological Body Reactions, and Hormonal Profiles of Dokki-4 Chickens

Simple Summary

Curcumin has been used as a suitable feed supplement for poultry to improve several hematological and biochemical indicators, diminish heat stress, and increase antioxidant activity. This experiment evaluated the effects of incubation temperatures and spraying hatching eggs with curcumin during the incubation phase on chick embryo development, hatchability, physiological body reactions, and hormonal profiles of Dokki 4 chickens. The findings indicated that the relative water loss and dead after piping in the chronic incubation temperature group were significantly increased compared with the normal incubation temperature group. Post-hatch, the triiodothyronine level in the high incubation temperature group was significantly decreased than in the control group. Regarding curcumin treatments, relative water loss from eggs and the hatchability of fertile eggs in treated groups significantly increased, while body surface temperature significantly decreased compared with the control.

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of incubation temperature and spraying hatching eggs with curcumin during the early embryogenesis phase on chick embryo developments, hatchability, physiological body reactions, and hormonal profiles of Dokki 4 chickens. A total of 720 fertile eggs were equally distributed into two groups. In the first group, the eggs were incubated at normal incubation temperature/NIT (37.8 °C and 55–60% RH) for up to 19 days of incubation, whereas those in the second group were incubated in the same conditions except from 6 to 8 day, in which they were daily exposed to chronic incubation temperature/CIT (39.0 °C) for 3 h. Each group was classified into four curcumin treatment doses; the 1st treatment (control) was sprayed with distilled water, while the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th treatments were sprayed with 250, 500, and 1000 mg curcumin/liter distilled water. The results indicated that the lowest hatchability of fertile eggs (%) was obtained in the CIT group (p = 0.02), whereas the highest body surface temperature/BST compared in the NIT group (p = 0.01). Regarding curcumin treatments, the percentages of heart, gizzard, spleen, and T3 hormone levels in the treated group were significantly increased, while the H/L ratio was significantly reduced (p = 0.001) compared with the control. At 8 weeks of age, the testes and ovary percentages in treated groups were significantly (p = 0.05) increased compared with the control. In conclusion, exposure of hatching eggs to high thermal stress (39 °C) during the incubation phase had deleterious effects on chick performance and T3 hormone level. Moreover, spraying hatching eggs had beneficial impacts on growth, reproductive organs, T3 hormone level, and reducing H/L ratio.

Onion leaf and synthetic additives in broiler diet: impact on splenic cytokines, serum immunoglobulins, cecal bacterial population, and muscle antioxidant status

BACKGROUND

The disadvantages associated with the use of synthetic additives in animal production could threaten human and animal health, and the safety of animal-derived foods. This study assessed the growth performance, blood chemistry, immune indices, selected caeca bacterial population, muscle antioxidant enzyme activities, and meat quality in broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with antibiotic (70% oxytetracycline +30% neomycin), tert-butylhydroxytoluene or onion leaf powder (OLP). One day old Ross 308 chicks (n = 240) were assigned randomly to either D-1, control diet (CD) without additives; D-2, CD + 0.3 g kg^-1 antibiotic +0.15 g kg^-1 tert-butylhydroxytoluene; D-3, CD + 2.5 g kg^-1 OLP; or D-4, CD + 5 g kg^-1 OLP for 42 days.

RESULTS

The D-2 and D-4 diets improved (P < 0.05) bodyweight gain and feed efficiency in broilers. Platelet and cecal Lactobacillus spp. counts were higher (P < 0.05) whereas muscle cholesterol was lower (P < 0.05) in the OLP-supplemented birds. Supplemented birds had higher (P < 0.01) splenic interleukin-10 and lower (P < 0.01) splenic tumor necrosis factor-α, immunoglobulin A, cecal E. coli and C. perfringens counts compared with the D-1 birds. The D-4 birds had the least (P < 0.05) splenic interleukin-1β. Dietary supplements increased (P < 0.05) catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity, and lowered (P < 0.05) drip loss, malondialdehyde and carbonyl content in breast meat.

CONCLUSION

Dietary supplementation of 5 g kg^-1 OLP exerted antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects that were comparable to those of antibiotics and tert-butylhydroxytoluene in broiler chickens. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Maternal curcumin supplementation ameliorates placental function and fetal growth in mice with intrauterine growth retardation†

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is a serious reproductive problem in humans. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of daily maternal curcumin supplementation during pregnancy on placental function and fetal growth in a mouse model of IUGR fed the low-protein (LP) diet. Pregnant mice were divided into four groups: (1) normal protein (19% protein) diet (NP); (2) LP (8% protein) diet; (3) LP diet + 100 mg/kg curcumin (LPL); (4) LP diet +400 mg/kg curcumin (LPH). The results showed that the LP group decreased fetal weight, placental weight, placental efficiency, serum progesterone level, placental glutathione peroxidase activity activity, blood sinusoids area, and antioxidant gene expression of placenta. In addition, in comparison with the NP group, LP diet increased serum corticosterone level, placental malondialdehyde content, and apoptotic index. Daily curcumin administration decreased the placental apoptosis, while it increased placental efficiency, placental redox balance, blood sinusoids area, and antioxidant-related protein expression in fetal liver. The antioxidant gene expression of placenta and fetal liver was normalized to the NP level after curcumin administration. In conclusion, daily curcumin supplementation could improve maternal placental function and fetal growth in mice with IUGR.

Influence of Crescentia cujete and Launaea taraxacifolia leaves on growth, immune indices, gut microbiota, blood chemistry, carcass, and meat quality in broiler chickens

The rising concerns pertaining to the safety of synthetic supplements in livestock production have encouraged the exploration of potential alternatives. This study investigated the growth, gut microbiota, blood chemistry, immune indices, meat quality, and antioxidant status in broiler chickens supplemented with Crescentia cujete leaf (CCL), Launaea taraxacifolia leaf (LTL), and a combination of antibiotic (70% oxytetracycline + 30% neomycin) and tert-Butylhydroxyanisole. One-day-old Ross 308 chicks (n = 420) were randomly assigned to either T-1, basal diet (BD) only; T-2, BD + 0.4 g/kg antibiotic + 0.13 g/kg tert-butylhydroxyanisole; T-3, BD + 2.5 g/kg LTL; T-4, BD + 5 g/kg LTL; T-5, BD + 2.5 g/kg CCL; or T-6, BD + 5 g/kg CCL for 42 days. Each dietary group had seven replicates with ten chicks per replicate. Body weight gain and carcass weight were higher (P < 0.05) in the T-2, T-4, T-5, and T-6 birds compared with those of other birds. At 1-21 days, the T-2 and T-4 birds consumed more feed than the T-1 and T-3 birds. At 22-42 days, the T-4 birds consumed more (P < 0.05) feed than the T-1 and T-3 birds. During 1-42 days, the T-1 and T-3 birds consumed less (P < 0.05) feed than other birds. At 22-42 days and 1-42 days, the T-1 had lower feed efficiency (P < 0.05) than other birds except for the T-3 birds. The CCL and LTL birds had lower (P < 0.05) serum LDL cholesterol and higher HDL cholesterol compared with other birds. Hematology, splenic interleukin-1β, immunoglobulin M, ileal and caecal total aerobic bacteria counts, caecal Lactobacillus spp., and meat physicochemical properties were unaffected by diets. The T-1 birds had higher (P < 0.05) ileal and caecal Clostridium spp., E. coli, and Salmonella spp. compared with birds fed other diets. The CCL and LTL birds had higher ileal Lactobacillus counts. Splenic IL-10 was higher (P < 0.05) in the T-2, T-4, and T-6 birds compared with that in other birds. Dietary supplementation with CCL, LTL, and a combination of antibiotic and tert-butylhydroxyanisole repressed (P < 0.05) splenic tumor necrosis-α and immunoglobulin G. The T-1 breast meat had lower glutathione peroxidase and catalase. The T-4 meat had higher (P < 0.05) superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity compared with other meats. On day 3 postmortem, meats obtained from birds supplemented with CCL, LTL, and a combination of antibiotic and tert-butylhydroxyanisole had lower (P < 0.05) carbonyl and malondialdehyde contents than the meat from the non-supplemented birds. The 5 g/kg CCL and 5 g/kg LTL could be used as antimicrobial and antioxidant in broiler diets.

Effects of dietary resveratrol supplementation on the chemical composition, oxidative stability and meat quality of ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)

The effects of dietary resveratrol (0, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg) on the chemical composition, antioxidative capacity, meat quality and volatile compound concentrations of duck meat were investigated. The results showed that dietary resveratrol had no significant effects on the chemical composition. Dietary resveratrol supplementation increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase activity, pH_{15 min}, pH_{24 h} and color, and reduced the malondialdehyde, and carbonyl contents and shear force, thereby improving water mobility and distribution (T_2b, T₂₁, T₂₂), drip loss, cooking loss and volatile compounds concentration of duck meat. In conclusion, dietary resveratrol supplementation improved the meat quality of ducks by enhancing the antioxidant capacity, improving the color and shear force, and suppressing lipid and protein oxidation, and 500 mg/kg dietary resveratrol had the greatest effect in this study.

Effect of phloretin on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant profile in heat-stressed broilers

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of phloretin on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant profile, glutathione (GSH)-related enzymes, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related 2 (Nrf2) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in heat-stressed broilers. A total of 240, 22-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were divided into 4 groups. The control group was housed at 23.0 ± 0.61°C and fed with basal diet, while the 3 heat-stressed groups (A, B, and C groups) were housed at 30.5 ± 0.69°C and fed with basal diet containing 0, 100, and 200 mg/kg phloretin, respectively. Serum was taken form 42-day-old broilers. Results showed that heat stress decreased (P < 0.05) the final body weight (FBW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), serum total protein (TP), triglyceride (TG), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), GSH, catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels, but increased (P < 0.05) the feed-to-gain ratio (FGR) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in broilers compared with that in the control group. Among the heat-stressed groups, supplementary 200 mg/kg phloretin increased (P < 0.05) the FBW, BWG, FI, serum TP, TG, T4, GSH, CAT, and T-AOC levels, and decreased (P < 0.05) the FGR and serum MDA in broilers. There were significant decreases (P < 0.05) in the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS), and Nrf2, but significant increases (P < 0.05) in the HSP70 of the broiler serum after heat stress treatment. Among the heat-stressed groups, supplementary 200 mg/kg phloretin increased (P < 0.05) the GSH-Px, γ-GCS, and Nrf2 levels, but decreased (P < 0.05) the serum HSP70 level in the heat-stressed broilers. Under high temperature condition, FBW, BWG, FI, FGR, serum TP, TG, T4, MDA, GSH, CAT, T-AOC, GSH-Px, γ-GCS, Nrf2 and HSP70 were linearly affected by inclusion of phloretin. These results indicated that phloretin may improve growth performance, serum parameters, and antioxidant profiles through regulated GSH-related enzymes, Nrf2 and HSP70 in heat-stressed broilers.

Dietary Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methyl Butyrate Supplementation Affects Growth, Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, and Serum Metabolomics Profile in Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to explore the effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methyl butyrate (HMB) on serum metabolic profiles and meat quality of muscles in Wenshi broiler chickens. Birds were fed a basal diet with an additional 0, 0.05, 0.10, or 0.15% HMB, respectively. Results showed that dietary HMB quadratically increased the average daily gain (P = 0.058) and decreased feed:gain (P < 0.05) mainly in the starter phase. At 51 days of age, birds receiving 0.10% HMB diet exhibited less abdominal fat and more breast yield than the control (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary HMB quadratically decreased the L^∗ value and drip loss in selected muscles (P < 0.05) and increased the a^∗ value in breast muscle (P < 0.05). Serum metabolome profiling showed that the most differentially abundant metabolites are lipids and lipid-like molecules, including phosphatidylcholines. It was concluded that HMB improved growth performance and meat quality of muscle in broilers.

The Protect Effects of Chitosan Oligosaccharides on Intestinal Integrity by Regulating Oxidative Status and Inflammation under Oxidative Stress

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the dietary supplementation of chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) on intestinal integrity, oxidative status, and the inflammation response with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) challenge. In total, 30 rats were randomly assigned to three groups with 10 replications: CON group, basal diet; AS group, basal diet + 0.1% H₂O₂ in drinking water; ASC group, basal diet + 200 mg/kg COS + 0.1% H₂O₂ in drinking water. The results indicated that COS upregulated (p < 0.05) villus height (VH) of the small intestine, duodenum, and ileum; mucosal glutathione peroxidase activity; jejunum and ileum mucosal total antioxidant capacity; duodenum and ileum mucosal interleukin (IL)-6 level; jejunum mucosal tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level; duodenum and ileum mucosal IL-10 level; the mRNA expression level of zonula occludens (ZO)-1 in the jejunum and ileum, claudin in the duodenum, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-like 2 in the jejunum, and heme oxygenase-1 in the duodenum and ileum; and the protein expression of ZO-1 and claudin in jejunum; however, it downregulated (p < 0.05) serum diamine oxidase activity and D-lactate level; small intestine mucosal malondialdehyde content; duodenum and ileum mucosal IL-6 level; jejunum mucosal TNF-α level; and the mRNA expression of IL-6 in the duodenum and jejunum, and TNF-α in the jejunum and ileum. These results suggested COS could maintain intestinal integrity under oxidative stress by modulating the intestinal oxidative status and release of inflammatory cytokines.

Modulation of Heat-Shock Proteins Mediates Chicken Cell Survival against Thermal Stress

Heat stress is one of the most challenging environmental stresses affecting domestic animal production, particularly commercial poultry, subsequently causing severe yearly economic losses. Heat stress, a major source of oxidative stress, stimulates mitochondrial oxidative stress and cell dysfunction, leading to cell damage and apoptosis. Cell survival under stress conditions needs urgent response mechanisms and the consequent effective reinitiation of cell functions following stress mitigation. Exposure of cells to heat-stress conditions induces molecules that are ready for mediating cell death and survival signals, and for supporting the cell's tolerance and/or recovery from damage. Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) confer cell protection against heat stress via different mechanisms, including developing thermotolerance, modulating apoptotic and antiapoptotic signaling pathways, and regulating cellular redox conditions. These functions mainly depend on the capacity of HSPs to work as molecular chaperones and to inhibit the aggregation of non-native and misfolded proteins. This review sheds light on the key factors in heat-shock responses for protection against cell damage induced by heat stress in chicken.

Effects of heat stress on antioxidant status and immune function and expression of related genes in lambs

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of heat stress on antioxidant status, immune response, and related gene expression of lambs. Eighteen male lambs were randomly allocated into three treatment groups that were as follows: indoor temperature control group furnished with an air-conditioner (ITC), indoor temperature non-control group suffered intermittent and varying degrees of heat stress (ITNC), outdoor temperature non-control group in the external natural environment (OTNC). ITNC group presented a more severe and prolonged exposure to thermal stress than the other two groups. The trial lasted 28 days. Blood samples were collected on days 14 and 28 to analyze total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations and gene expressions of SOD1, SOD2, GPx, CAT, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), IL-1β, IL-2, and TNF-α. Results showed that on day 14 an elevated temperature reduced (p < 0.05) the level of GPx, T-SOD, T-AOC, and IgG, whereas significantly increased (p < 0.05) CAT, MDA, IgA, and TNF-α levels. Gene expressions of SOD1 and GPx were down-regulated (p < 0.05). On day 28, ITNC group significantly decreased (p < 0.05) CAT, GPx, T-SOD, T-AOC, IgG, and IL-2 levels and increased (p < 0.05) MDA, IL-1, and TNF-α levels, accompanying by the reducing or increasing (p < 0.05) of their relative gene expression apart from CAT and IL-1β gene (p > 0.10). In addition, in ITNC and OTNC groups, the level of CAT, T-SOD, T-AOC, IgG, IgM, and IL-2 and the expression of CAT, SOD2, and IL-2 reduced (p < 0.05), whereas IL-1 and TNF-α levels and IL-1β expression increased (p < 0.05) on day 28 compared with day 14. In ITC group, the level of IgA, IL-1, and TNF-α and the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α increased (p < 0.05), while the content of IgG and IgM reduced (p < 0.05) on day 28 compared with day 14. These results indicated that heat stress negatively affected the antioxidant status and immune response of lambs, and the negative effects of heat stress are not only related to the stress duration but also associated with the stress severity.

Phytogenic blend protective effects against microbes but affects health and production in broilers

The aim of this study was to determine whether addition of a phytogenic blend in the feed of broilers to replace conventional antimicrobials as a performance enhancer would improve or maintain productive efficiency. The phytogenic blend was based on curcuminoids, cinnamaldehyde and glycerol monolaurate. We used 480 birds divided into three groups with eight repetitions per group and 20 birds per repetition. The groups were identified as antimicrobial-treated: basal feed with antibiotics and coccidiostatic agents; phytogenic blend: basal feed with blend; and control, only basal feed. Zootechnical performance was measured on days from 1 to 42, with body weight measured at days 1, 7, 21 and 42. We collected excreta for parasitological analysis and total bacterial counts to determine if the phytogenic blend had kept the bacteria and coccidia in counts smaller or similar to that resulting from use of conventional performance enhancer. Other variables were also measured to complement our research, i.e., if the consumption of bend is good for the health of the birds (without causing toxicity and negatively altering the metabolism and intestinal morphometry) and does not interfere in the quality of the meat. Because the bacteria are often opportunistic, we challenged all birds at 23 days of age with high doses of oral oocysts (28,000 oocysts). Birds supplemented with the blend showed inferior performance compared to birds in the control and antimicrobial treated group (P < 0.05). We found a smaller number of oocysts of Eimeria spp. in the excreta at 42 days in the treatment with blend and antimicrobial treated group (P < 0.05). In terms of total bacterial counts, there were lower counts in the birds of the blend group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The blend increased the yellow intensity and the luminosity of the meat (P < 0.05), as well as cooking weight losses (P < 0.05) compared those of the control. We observed higher total levels of saturated fatty acids in meat from the blend and antimicrobial treated group (P < 0.05), as well as lower levels of monounsaturated fatty acids in the blend group (P < 0.05). The inclusion of a phytogenic blend to replace conventional antimicrobials and anticoccidial agents in the diet of chickens was able to control bacteria as well as coccidia; however, it ends up harming health and production.

Effect of L-theanine on meat quality, muscle amino acid profiles, and antioxidant status of broilers

This study investigated the effect of L-theanine on carcass traits, meat quality, muscle antioxidant capacity, and amino acid (AA) profiles of broilers. Three hundred 1-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were randomly allotted to five groups with six replicates. Birds were fed the basal diet or basal diet with 300, 600, 900, or 1,500 mg/kg L-theanine for 42 consecutive days. The results showed that L-theanine quadratically increased dressing percentage, eviscerated percentage, and leg muscle yield (p < .05). Meanwhile, drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, L*_24h, and muscle lactate content decreased quadratically in response to dietary L-theanine supplementation (p < .05), while pH_24h and muscle glycogen content were quadratically improved by L-theanine (p < .05). Notably, the contents of muscle malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl, and the activities of muscle total antioxidant capacity, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase decreased quadratically in response to dietary L-theanine supplementation (p < .05), suggesting that the oxidative stress level of muscle was decreased quadratically. Moreover, L-theanine quadratically increased the concentrations of most of muscle essential AA, nonessential AA, and flavor AA (p < .05). In conclusion, L-theanine can be used as a valuable feed additive to modulate carcass traits, meat quality, muscle antioxidant status, and AA profiles of boilers, and its optimum addition level is 600 mg/kg based on the present study.

Nutritional modulation of fertility in male poultry

The increased consumption of protein derived from poultry demands greater poultry production, but increased poultry production (meat and eggs) is dependent on the fertility of the parent flocks. Clearly, the fertility of poultry flocks is associated with the fertility of both males and females, but the low numbers of males used for natural or artificial insemination mean that their role is more important. Thus, enhancing the semen volume, sperm concentration, viability, forward motility, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in sperm, as well as protecting against oxidative damage, could help to optimize the sperm membrane functionality, mitochondrial activity, and sperm-egg penetration, and thus fertility. Therefore, this review summarizes the nutritional factors that could improve the fertility of poultry males as well as their associated mechanisms to allow poultry producers to overcome low-fertility problems, especially in aging poultry males, thereby obtaining beneficial impacts on the poultry production industry.

Resveratrol improves meat quality, muscular antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism and fiber type composition of intrauterine growth retarded pigs

This study investigated whether resveratrol could improve meat quality, muscular antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism and fiber type composition of intrauterine growth retarded pigs. Thirty-six pairs of male normal birth weight and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) piglets were orally fed with 80 mg resveratrol/kg body weight/d or vehicle during the sucking period (7-21 d). Then the offspring were fed with a basal diet containing 300 mg resveratrol/kg or a basal diet from weaning to slaughter (150 d). The IUGR-impaired meat quality (luminance and yellowness) was associated with muscular oxidative stress via increased Keap1 protein level, fat accumulation, and higher MyHC IIb gene expression. Expectedly, resveratrol increased glutathione peroxidase activity and MyHC I gene expression, reduced protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde contents, enhanced fatty acid oxidation via upregulated PPARα and targeted genes expression, and thereby improving drip loss and yellowness. Results indicate that resveratrol improved meat quality of IUGR pigs through enhancing antioxidant capacity, increasing oxidative fiber composition, and suppressing lipid accumulation.

1H NMR-based metabolomics study of breast meat from Pekin and Linwu duck of different ages and relation to meat quality

This study investigated the effects of breed and age on meat quality, and metabolite profiles of duck breast meat, and the relationship between changes in metabolite profiles and the meat quality. The meat quality and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics of breast meat from Pekin and Linwu ducks at 2 different ages (42 and 72d) was analyzed. The results showed that age exerted a greater effect on the observed meat quality traits of breast meat than breed, and its interaction (breed × age) effect on pH values and yellowness (b*) of duck breast meat was significant. Total of 32 metabolites were detected in breast meat of Pekin and Linwu duck. The difference of metabolite profiles in breast meat between Pekin and Linwu duck at 72 d was greater than that at 42 d, while the effects of age on metabolites of duck meat from both breeds were similar. Anserine, aspartate, and carnosine were the most relevant metabolites of duck breast meat quality, and nicotinamide in duck breast meat was negatively correlated with cooking loss. These results provide an overall perspective for bridging the gap between the breed and age on duck meat quality and metabolome, and improve the understanding of the relationship between metabolites and duck meat quality.

Regulating appetite in broilers for improving body and muscle development - A review

Appetite is the desire for feed and water and the voluntary intake of feed and is an important regulator of livestock productivity and animal health. Economic traits such as growth rate and muscle development (meat deposition) in broilers are directly correlated to appetite. Factors that may influence appetite include environmental factors, such as stress and temperature variation, and animal‐specific factors, such as learning period, eating capacity and preferences. Feed preferences have been reported to be determined in early life, and this period is important in broilers due to their fast growth and relatively short growth trajectories. This may be of importance when contemplating the use of more circular and sustainable feeds and the optimization of appetite for these feeds. The objective of this review was to review the biological mechanisms underlying appetite using data from human, animal and bird models and to consider the option for modulating appetite particularly as it relates to broiler chickens.

Effect of dietary supplementation of nanocurcumin on oxidant stability of broiler chicken breast meat infected with Eimeria species

Poultry meat is very susceptible to oxidation because of the high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which negatively affects the quality and nutritional values of chicken meat. Coccidiosis is the most common parasitic disease of poultry. Intending to limit anti-parasites usage in poultry feed and also because of the concerns about antibiotic resistance and residues in poultry products, there is a need for research to discover natural alternatives. The effect of nanocurcumin on antioxidant profile (carotenoid and vitamin E contents, lipid oxidation and antioxidant capacity) and pH of broiler chicken breast meat infected with Eimeria species was investigated. Fifty, one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were assigned to five treatments including non-infected and non-medicated control (NNC), infected non-supplemented control (INC), infected and medicated with nanocurcumin 300 mg kg^-1 feed (NCRM1), infected and medicated with nanocurcumin 400 mg kg^-1 feed (NCRM2) and infected and antibiotic medicated group. Infection with Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima, and E. tenella decreased vitamin E and carotenoid contents of chicken breast meat significantly. The NCRM2 had significantly enhanced carotenoid and vitamin E levels in chicken breast meat, so  there was no significant difference between NCRM2 and NNC group. No significant change was observed in pH value among groups. Malondialdehyde value of breast meat was significantly lower in NCRM1 and NCRM2 than the INC group. The NCRM2 and NCRM1 showed the best antioxidant capacity even better than NNC. In conclusion, nanocurcumin could be a potential feed additive that can increase oxidant stability of broiler chicken breast meat.

Curcumin, Curcumin Nanoparticles and Curcumin Nanospheres: A Review on Their Pharmacodynamics Based on Monogastric Farm Animal, Poultry and Fish Nutrition

Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science that is widely used in medical sciences. However, it has limited uses in monogastric farm animal as well as fish and poultry nutrition. There are some works that have been done on curcumin and curcumin nanoparticles as pharmaceutics in animal nutrition. However, studies have shown that ingestion of curcumin or curcumin nanoparticles does not benefit the animal health much due to their lower bioavailability, which may result because of low absorption, quick metabolism and speedy elimination of curcumin from the animal body. For these reasons, advanced formulations of curcumin are needed. Curcumin nanospheres is a newly evolved field of nanobiotechnology which may have beneficial effects in terms of growth increment, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects on animal and fish health by means of nanosphere forms that are biodegradable and biocompatible. Thus, this review aims to highlight the potential application of curcumin, curcumin nanoparticles and curcumin nanospheres in the field of monogastric farm animal, poultry and fish nutrition. We do believe that the review provides the perceptual vision for the future development of curcumin, curcumin nanoparticles and curcumin nanospheres and their applications in monogastric farm animal, poultry and fish nutrition.

Effects of bamboo leaf extract on growth performance, meat quality, and meat oxidative stability in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary bamboo leaf extract (BLE) on growth performance, meat quality, oxidative stability, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) related gene expression of breast meat in broilers. A total of 576 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were divided into 6 groups. The control group (CTR) was fed basal diet, while BLE1, BLE2, BLE3, BLE4, and BLE5 were fed basal diet supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 g BLE per kg feed, respectively. Compared with the CTR group, BLE2 and BLE5 increased average daily feed intake from 1 to 21 D and 22 to 42 D (P < 0.05), BLE1 and BLE2 improved average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain ratio from 22 to 42 D (P < 0.05). Throughout the trial period, the highest body weight and favorable ADG and feed to gain ratio were observed in the BLE2 group. The drip loss at 24 h and pH at 45 min postmortem of breast meat were linearly improved by BLE supplementation (P < 0.05). Shear force was significantly lower in BLE2 and BLE3 than that in CTR group. Increasing supplementation of BLE linearly improved free radical scavenging capacity and decreased malondialdehyde content of breast meat during 12 D of storage (P < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity were linearly increased by BLE supplementation (P < 0.05). Compared with the CTR group, the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and glutathione peroxidase in BLE3, BLE4, and BLE5 groups was significantly promoted, and glutathione S-transferase gene expression was increased in BLE2, BLE4, and BLE5 (P < 0.05). The highest (P < 0.05) heme oxygennase-1 gene expression was observed in BLE5. In conclusion, broiler supplemented with BLE improved growth performance and meat quality, BLE supplementation might activate Nrf2 pathway to alleviate lipid oxidation and increase antioxidant capacity of breast meat. The dosage of 2.0 to 3.0 g/kg BLE in broiler diet was recommanded.

Dietary Supplemented Curcumin Improves Meat Quality and Antioxidant Status of Intrauterine Growth Retardation Growing Pigs via Nrf2 Signal Pathway

Simple Summary

More than 15% of piglets and about 10% of newborn humans suffer from intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), which refers to growth lag, developmental restriction and impaired organs in the fetus. IUGR exhibits programming consequences and exerts permanent negative effects on postnatal growth and health. Dietary supplemented curcumin, as the main natural polyphenol isolated from the natural antioxidant (turmeric), might show possible effects on antioxidant capacity, and the meat quality of IUGR pigs. Therefore, in our present study, 12 normal birth weight (NBW) and 24 IUGR neonatal female piglets were selected and fed control diets supplemented 0 (NBW), 0 (IUGR) and 200 (IUGR + Cur) mg/kg curcumin from 26 to 115 days of age (n = 12). The growth performance, meat quality, redox status and its related Nrf2 pathway were determined to test the hypothesis that curcumin may play beneficial roles against IUGR-induced oxidative stress. This study suggested that curcumin could serve as a potential natural antioxidant in nutrition interventions of IUGR offspring to enhance the redox status and improve the meat quality of leg muscles. These results attained from IUGR pig models can also provide some useful theoretical references for IUGR offspring in humans.

Abstract

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) exhibits programming consequences and may induce oxidative stress in growing animals and humans. This study was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that dietary curcumin may protect growing pigs from IUGR-induced oxidative stress via the Nrf2 pathway. Twelve normal birth weight (NBW) and 24 IUGR female piglets were selected and fed control diets supplemented 0 (NBW), 0 (IUGR) and 200 (IUGR + Cur) mg/kg curcumin from 26 to 115 days of age (n = 12). Growth performance, meat quality, redox status and its related Nrf2 pathway were determined. Results showed that IUGR pigs exhibited decreased body weight on 0 d, 26 d and 56 d (p < 0.01) but had no difference on 115 d among NBW, IUGR and IUGR + Cur groups (p > 0.05). Compared with NBW and IUGR groups, a significant decrease in drip loss (24 h and 48 h) was observed in the IUGR + Cur group (p < 0.01). IUGR pigs had higher concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.01) and protein carbonyl (PC) (p = 0.03) and lower activities of glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.02), catalase (p < 0.01) and peroxidase (p = 0.02) in leg muscles than NBW pigs. Dietary-added 200 mg/kg curcumin decreased concentrations of MDA and PC and improved the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase as compared to the IUGR group (p < 0.05). Additionally, dietary curcumin enhanced protein (NQO1) and mRNA expression of genes (Nrf2, NQO1, gamma-glutamyltransferase 1 (GGT1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT)) as compared to the IUGR group (p < 0.05). These results suggest that dietary curcumin could serve as a potential additive to enhance redox status and improve meat quality of IUGR growing pigs via the Nrf2 signal pathway.

Effect of Glutamine on Antioxidant Capacity and Lipid Peroxidation in the Breast Muscle of Heat-stressed Broilers via Antioxidant Genes and HSP70 Pathway

This study investigated whether Glutamine (Gln) could be used as an additive to improve antioxidant capacity in the breast muscle of heat-stressed broilers. Two hundred and forty 22-day-old Arbor Acres broilers in the G1, G2, G3, and G4 groups (n = 60 each) were housed in a cyclic hot environment and fed the basal diet with 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% Gln, respectively. Compared with the G1 group, dietary 1.5% Gln increased (p < 0.05) pH and b* values, but decreased (p < 0.05) L* cooking loss, drip loss, and water loss rate in breast meat of heat-stressed broilers. Malondialdehyde levels in the breast muscle were lower (p < 0.05) in 1.0% and 1.5% Gln groups than that of the heat-stress group. Compared with the G1 group, dietary 1.5% Gln increased (p < 0.05) catalase (CAT), glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px,) and total antioxidant capacity in the breast muscle of heat-stressed broilers. Furthermore, the CAT, GSH-Px, HSP70 mRNA expression levels, and HSP70 protein expression levels were increased (p < 0.05) in the G3 and G4 groups compared with the G1 group. In sum, Gln alleviated antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation in the breast muscle of heat-stressed broilers through antioxidant genes and HSP70 pathways.

Single components of botanicals and nature-identical compounds as a non-antibiotic strategy to ameliorate health status and improve performance in poultry and pigs

In the current post-antibiotic era, botanicals represent one of the most employed nutritional strategies to sustain antibiotic-free and no-antibiotic-ever production. Botanicals can be classified either as plant extracts, meaning the direct products derived by extraction from the raw plant materials (essential oils (EO) and oleoresins (OR)), or as nature-identical compounds (NIC), such as the chemically synthesised counterparts of the pure bioactive compounds of EO/OR. In the literature, differences between the use of EO/OR or NIC are often unclear, so it is difficult to attribute certain effects to specific bioactive compounds. The aim of the present review was to provide an overview of the effects exerted by botanicals on the health status and growth performance of poultry and pigs, focusing attention on those studies where only NIC were employed or those where the composition of the EO/OR was defined. In particular, phenolic compounds (apigenin, quercetin, curcumin and resveratrol), organosulfur compounds (allicin), terpenes (eugenol, thymol, carvacrol, capsaicin and artemisinin) and aldehydes (cinnamaldehyde and vanillin) were considered. These molecules have different properties such as antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiprotozoal), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, as well as the improvement of intestinal morphology and integrity of the intestinal mucosa. The use of NIC allows us to properly combine pure compounds, according to the target to achieve. Thus, they represent a promising non-antibiotic tool to allow better intestinal health and a general health status, thereby leading to improved growth performance.

Effect of curcumin on laying performance, egg quality, endocrine hormones, and immune activity in heat-stressed hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of curcumin on laying performance, egg quality, biochemical indicators, hormone levels, and immune activity in hens under heat stress. Hy-Line brown hens (280-day-old) were fed with 0, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg of curcumin during a 42-D experiment. Compared with the control treatment, supplementation with 150 mg/kg of curcumin improved laying performance and egg quality by significantly increasing egg production, eggshell thickness, eggshell strength (P < 0.01), and albumen height (P < 0.05) while decreasing the feed-to-egg ratio. Antioxidant activity was improved by significantly increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase but decreasing malondialdehyde levels in serum (P < 0.05) and significantly increasing the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, IgG, IgA, and complement C₃ activity in serum (P < 0.05). These results indicated that supplemental 150 mg/kg curcumin can improve productive performance, antioxidant enzyme activity, and immune function in laying hens under the heat stress conditions applied in the present study.

Dietary supplementation with pioglitazone hydrochloride improves intramuscular fat, fatty acid profile, and antioxidant ability of thigh muscle in yellow-feathered chickens

BACKGROUND

Muscle fat content and fatty acid composition play an important role in poultry flavor and taste. To investigate the effects of pioglitazone hydrochloride (PGZ) on growth performance and thigh muscle quality in yellow-feathered chickens, 360 female chickens were randomly divided into three groups and treated with three doses of PGZ (0, 7.5, and 15 mg kg^-1 ) for 28 days. Each group had six replicates of 20 chickens.

RESULTS

The results showed that dietary supplementation with 15 mg kg^-1 PGZ increased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and the average daily gain (ADG) from 0 to 14 days. Furthermore, the triglyceride (TG) level was decreased by 15 mg kg^-1 PGZ, whereas the eviscerated yield was increased. The relative weight of the heart and kidneys showed a linear increase with dietary PGZ supplementation, and the drip loss of the thigh muscle was significantly decreased by 15 mg kg^-1 PGZ supplementation. Moreover, a* value, intramuscular fat (IMF), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) showed a linear increase, and pH_{24 h} and drip loss showed a quadratic influence with the levels of PGZ supplementation. In particular, the PUFA proportion was increased by 7.63% and 9.14% in the 7.5 mg kg^-1 PGZ and 15 mg kg^-1 PGZ groups, respectively. Additionally, 15 mg kg^-1 of PGZ increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-P_X ) activity.

CONCLUSION

In summary, 15 mg kg^-1 PGZ has substantial effects on growth performance and meat quality, particularly by decreasing drip loss and increasing IMF content, PUFA proportions, and antioxidant ability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Glutamine improves heat stress-induced oxidative damage in the broiler thigh muscle by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related 2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 signaling pathway

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of glutamine (Gln) on modulating heat stress–induced oxidative damage in the broiler thigh muscle through nuclear factor erythroid 2–related 2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2-Keap1) pathway. Three-hundred 22-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were reallocated into 5 groups: a control group (24 °C) fed with basal diet and 4 heat stress (HS) groups (34 °C for 8 h/D) fed with basal diet containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% Gln. This experiment lasted 21 D. Heat stress decreased (P < 0.05) pH, redness, and Gln levels, and increased (P < 0.05) luminance, water loss rate, and cooking loss (CL) values of the thigh meat. Compared with the HS group, supplementation with 1.5% Gln increased (P < 0.05) pH, redness, and Gln levels, but decreased (P < 0.05) luminance and CL values in the thigh meat. There were significant decreases (P < 0.05) in glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and Nrf2 levels, but significant increases (P < 0.05) in the malondialdehyde (MDA) and Keap1 levels of the thigh muscle after HS treatment. Compared with the HS group, supplementation with 1.0, and 1.5% Gln decreased (P < 0.05) MDA and Keap1 levels; supplementation with 1.5% Gln increased (P < 0.05) GSH, GSH-Px, T-AOC, CAT, SOD, and Nrf2 levels in the thigh muscle of heat-stressed broilers. Furthermore, HS decreased (P < 0.05) Nrf2, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px mRNA expression levels, but increased (P < 0.05) Keap1 mRNA level in the thigh muscle of broiler. Dietary supplementation with 1.5% Gln increased (P < 0.05) Nrf2, GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD mRNA expression levels, but decreased (P < 0.05) Keap1 mRNA level in the thigh muscle of heat-stressed broilers. In conclusion, dietary Gln improved the resistance of heat-stressed broiler muscles to oxidative damage possibly through reversing the muscle Gln level and inducing the expression of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway.

Curcumin Alleviates IUGR Jejunum Damage by Increasing Antioxidant Capacity through Nrf2/Keap1 Pathway in Growing Pigs

Simple Summary

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is usually defined as fetal growth below the 10th percentile for gestational age and results in impaired growth and development of the fetus and/or its organs during gestation. IUGR not only has a permanent effect on postnatal growth and long-term health, but also results in high fetal mortality and morbidity. Recent results have demonstrated that IUGR can cause jejunum damage in piglets. The jejunum is not only the main organ for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, but also an immune organ in the body. However, few effective methods to alleviate jejunum damage and oxidative stress in IUGR pigs have been found. In recent years, studies have found that curcumin (CUR) may be an effective and safe feed additive for regulating oxidative stress in the body. Our results indicated that dietary added 200 mg/kg curcumin to the basal diet can increase the antioxidant capacity of the IUGR growing pigs, jejunum and alleviate the damage in jejunum of the IUGR growing pigs. Therefore, the use of curcumin as a feed additive has certain economic value.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of curcumin on IUGR jejunum damage. A total of 24 IUGR and 12 normal-birth weight (NBW) female crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) piglets were randomly assigned into three groups at weaning (26 days): IUGR group, NBW group, and IUGR + CUR group, which were fed diets containing 0 mg/kg (NBW), 0 mg/kg (IUGR) and 200 mg/kg (IUGR + CUR) curcumin from 26 to 115 days of age. Results showed that dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg curcumin significantly increased the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the jejunum of IUGR pigs (p < 0.05). Results of real-time PCR showed that the IUGR + CUR group significantly increased the gene expression of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) (p < 0.05), and increased the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) mRNA expression compared with the IUGR group (p < 0.05). Western blot results showed that dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg curcumin significantly increased the protein levels of Nrf2 and NQO1. Compared with the IUGR group, pigs in IUGR + CUR group showed significantly decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interferon gamma (IFNγ) (p < 0.05), and increased the interleukin-2 (IL-2) level (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg curcumin significantly reduced cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (caspase3), BCL2-associated X protein (bax), B-cellCLL/lymphoma 2 (bcl2), and heat-shock protein 70 (hsp70) mRNA expression, and increased occludin (ocln) mRNA expression (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg curcumin can alleviate jejunum damage in IUGR growing pigs, through Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.

Dietary curcumin enhances intestinal antioxidant capacity in ducklings via altering gene expression of antioxidant and key detoxification enzymes

The study investigated the effects of dietary curcumin supplementation on tissue distribution of curcumin and its metabolites, intestinal antioxidant capacity, and expression of detoxification-related genes in ducks. A total of 720 one-day-old male Cherry Valley Pekin ducklings (initial BW 58.6 ± 0.1 g) were randomly assigned to 4 dietary groups each with 6 replicates of 30 ducks using a single factorial arrangement design. Ducks in the control group were fed a basal diet and the remainder were fed the basal diet supplemented with 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg curcumin. The experiment lasted for 21 D. Curcumin was present at 13.12 to 16.18 mg/g in the cecal digesta, 75.50 to 575.40 μg/g in jejunal mucosa, 35.10 to 73.65 μg/g in liver, and 7.02 to 7.88 μg/mL in plasma. The jejunal and hepatic contents of curcumin increased significantly (P < 0.05) in response to supplementation with 400 and 800 mg/kg of curcumin respectively, compared with 200 mg curcumin/kg group. There was a linear (P < 0.001) effect of dietary curcumin on relative abundance of SOD1, GPX1, CAT, HO-1, and Nrf2 transcripts, and a quadratic (P < 0.001) increase in the activities of GSH-Px and T-AOC in jejunal mucosa. The expression of CYP1A4, CYP2D17 increased and CYP1B1, CYP2A6 decreased linearly (P < 0.001) with dietary curcumin concentrations. In addition, dietary curcumin increased gene expression of GST, MRP6, and ABCB1 in jejunal mucosa. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 200 to 800 mg/kg curcumin enhanced the accumulation of curcumin and its metabolites in jejunum as well as increasing the antioxidant capacity and detoxification potential, which play major roles in the protection of duck intestines against damage.

Dietary selenomethionine increases antioxidant capacity of geese by improving glutathione and thioredoxin systems

A total of 200 healthy 28-day-old male Jiangnan White geese were used to investigate the free radical scavenging ability, reduced glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin systems, and the concentrations of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC) in geese fed diets with organic selenium (Se) (Selenomethionine, SeMet) and inorganic Se (sodium selenite, SS). All geese were randomly allotted into 4 groups with 5 replicates of 10 geese each, and received basal diet supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg SS, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mg Se/kg SeMet until 70 D of age, respectively. Geese in the SS and SeMet groups exhibited similar growth performance. Diet with SeMet increased the scavenging abilities of 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt free radical (ABTS•+, P < 0.001) and superoxide radical (O2-•, P = 0.002) in the serum of geese, as well as the scavenging abilities of ABTS•+ (P = 0.023), hydroxyl radical (P = 0.009) and O2-• (P = 0.019) in the liver of geese. Compared to the SS group, SeMet increased hepatic GSH concentration (P = 0.002), the activities of glutathione peroxidase (P = 0.031), γ-glutamate cysteine ligase (P < 0.001), and thioredoxin reductase (P < 0.001), and decreased the concentrations of ROM, MDA, and PC in the serum and liver of geese (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary SeMet inclusion would be more effective than SS in increasing the antioxidant capacity of geese, possibly by improving GSH and thioredoxin systems, and 0.2 mg Se/kg SeMet in goose diet is recommended.

Comparative Studies on the Antioxidant Profiles of Curcumin and Bisdemethoxycurcumin in Erythrocytes and Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

Turmeric, which is the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has a long history for spice and medicine in China, India, and other tropical countries. Curcuminoids, as the principle active compounds of turmeric, consist of curcumin (about 77%), demethoxycurcumin (about 17%), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (about 3%). Studies showed that curcuminoids, especially curcumin, possesses antioxidant, free radical scavenging activities, and thus have a health-promoting effect in human and animals. Of the three curcuminoids, extensive research on the biological activity of curcumin was carried out for decades. However, its natural analogues bisdemethoxycurcumin was relatively less investigated. Based the records, there was still controversy regarding the relative potency of antioxidant activity of curcuminoid that is dependent on different cell types and animal models, which ultimately affected their beneficial effects on the intestinal health and animal production as well. Thus, whether curcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin shared the same efficiency of antioxidant activity in chicken erythrocytes and broiler chickens remains unknown. Our results demonstrated, for the first time, that the bisdemethoxycurcumin, acting like curcumin, exerted good free radical scavenging activity in erythrocytes and improved the redox status in broilers, although there were some slight differences in their efficiency of antioxidant activities in broiler chickens.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effects of curcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin in both 2,20-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-treated erythrocytes and broiler chickens. In experiment 1, chicken erythrocytes were employed to determine the antioxidant protection against AAPH treatment. Significant differences in hemolysis, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were observed between the control and curcuminoids-treated groups. In experiment 2, a total of 480 Arbor Acres broilers with the similar body weights were used. All of the birds were fed basal diet and basal diet with 150 mg/kg curcumin or bisdemethoxycurcumin, respectively. The results showed that curcuminoids significantly increased ADG, serum antioxidant capacity, the glutathione redox potential of small intestine, the gene expression of Nrf2, and its related antioxidant enzymes. Besides, curcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin increased the antioxidant activities of serum, diet, and excreta while using the 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt and ferric-reducing antioxidant power methods. It was concluded that bisdemethoxycurcumin, acting like curcumin, exerted good free radical scavenging activity in erythrocytes and improved the redox status in broilers, although there were some slight differences in their efficiency of antioxidant activities.